Chile holds presidential election featuring candidates from communist and far-right parties.

Amid escalating political tensions and evolving societal concerns, Chileans are approaching a crucial moment in their democratic journey as they prepare to elect a new president and Congress. With more than 15 million registered voters poised to make a significant decision, this election marks a pivotal clash between the current governing coalition and a rising conservative challenger, reflecting broader shifts in governance and policy that could reshape the country’s legislative landscape.

Chile is facing a critical juncture as citizens cast their votes for a new president and Congress, with over 15 million registered voters participating in what has been deemed one of the nation’s most contentious elections in recent history. Polling stations opened at 8 a.m. local time (11:00 GMT) on a Sunday, with voting expected to conclude at 6 p.m. (21:00 GMT). This election could determine whether Chile continues on its left-leaning path or shifts sharply to the right, similar to its neighbor Argentina.

This year’s election comes with a significant change: mandatory voting for all registered voters. The race is notably polarized between frontrunners Jeannette Jara, a 51-year-old candidate representing the ruling leftist coalition and the Communist Party, and Jose Antonio Kast, a 59-year-old from the Republican Party. Kast has garnered attention for his promises of “drastic measures” to address rising gang violence and his controversial stance on immigration, including proposals for mass deportation.

Current polling suggests that achieving a definitive majority for any of the eight candidates could be challenging, indicating a likely run-off on December 14. Left-wing President Gabriel Boric, who has made strides in crime reduction with a reported 10 percent decrease in homicide rates under his leadership, is ineligible to run for a second consecutive term due to constitutional restrictions.

With an increase in violence attributed to burgeoning criminal gangs, security remains a paramount issue in the campaign. Concerns over crime and immigration have shifted public discourse, often echoing sentiments reminiscent of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies, including calls for strict immigration controls.

Kast, often referred to as “Chile’s Trump,” pledges to bolster border security against undocumented immigration, proposing infrastructure such as walls and trenches along the desert border with Bolivia. Just prior to the election, he issued an ultimatum to 337,000 undocumented immigrants, threatening self-deportation or removal if he assumes power.

Historically, the first round of elections in Chile has seen high abstention rates; in the previous election, 53 percent of voters abstained. This year, a substantial number of apathetic or undecided voters could significantly influence the outcome, presenting a crucial variable in a tightly contested race.

Moreover, the entire 155-member Chamber of Deputies and 23 out of 50 Senate seats are up for election. Currently, the governing leftist coalition holds a minority in both legislative chambers. Should the right-wing candidates secure a majority in both, it would mark a significant shift in Chilean politics, potentially enabling control over both the presidency and Congress for the first time since the end of Augusto Pinochet’s regime in 1990.

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