Runoff election in Chile: Jara versus Kast – who will be president?

Runoff election in Chile: Jara versus Kast – who will be president?

Things are boiling again in Chile, and the presidential election could become a turning point in the country's political landscape. On December 14th, Jeannette Jara and José Antonio Kast will face each other in the decisive runoff election. Jara, who as a member of the Communist Party and former labor minister secured almost 27 percent of the vote in the first round, has positioned herself clearly in the social reform corner. Kast, an ultra-conservative politician, followed closely with just over 24 percent. These initial results show that the competition remains exciting, as none of the candidates were able to achieve the required 50 percent for an immediate victory. That reports Northern Courier.

Jara aims to combat economic inequality and make prosperity accessible to all. At a time when unemployment is above 8.5 percent and many perceive Chile as a “land of contrasts,” their vision of a state-supported income of around $800 through subsidies and minimum wage increases will be crucial. She has already emphasized these points during the election campaign, while the issues of security and migration have become more important in the political debate.

The political positions in focus

Kast, on the other hand, relies heavily on law-and-order politics. He plans to tighten documentation measures for migrants and calls for a tough line against foreigners without valid papers. There are an estimated 330,000 undocumented migrants living in Chile, most of them from Venezuela, which is perceived as a threat to many Chileans. Kast is known for wanting to mobilize the votes of defeated right-wing candidates and has already received support from Johannes Kaiser and Evelyn Matthei, who advocated for dialogue and responsible democracy, such as AP News reported.

With 60 percent of the vote, which according to surveys is open to candidates from the right-wing camp, Kast sees himself in a strong position. But despite these advantages, the wave of dissatisfied voters yearning for change and a fairer society could also help Jara win.

Future outlook and social challenges

The election comes amid rising discontent in Chile. Security concerns, drug-related crime and the perception of a growing gap between rich and poor are issues that concern many voters. Jara has been involved in the introduction of important social policies in the past, including the 40-hour week, but the implementation of the failed constitutional process following the 2019 and 2020 protests raises questions. The current government of Gabriel Boric, who is not allowed to run again, has also come under fire for failing to live up to hopes for sweeping social change such as the one daily news holds on.

What now matters is how responsive the two candidates are to the respective needs of their voters and whether they can adapt their programs accordingly. The coming weeks could be crucial in determining Chile's future course.