Chile’s Hard-Right Candidate Leads in Polarizing Presidential Runoff

A hard-right candidate, José Antonio Kast, has emerged as the frontrunner in Chile’s presidential election amid a deeply polarized political climate. Kast, a former lawmaker who has expressed admiration for U.S. President Donald Trump, will face off against Jeannette Jara, a member of the Communist Party and former labor minister in the incumbent government, in a runoff scheduled for December 14, 2023. This follows a first round in which nearly 70% of votes were cast for right-wing candidates, reflecting widespread concerns among Chileans about organized crime, illegal immigration, and unemployment.

Kast, who advocates for stringent measures on crime, including plans to build a border wall and deport undocumented migrants, secured nearly 24% of the vote in the first round. Jara managed to lead with approximately 27%, but neither candidate achieved the majority required for an outright victory. The election results signal a potential shift in Chilean politics, where right-leaning sentiments have gained traction amid economic discontent.

At Kast’s campaign headquarters in Santiago, supporters celebrated the results, with many expressing a desire for a “safe candidate.” A supporter, Ignacio Rojas, 20, emphasized the need for firm leadership to address rising crime and promote economic growth. “Chile isn’t safe anymore, and he’ll change that,” Rojas stated.

As economic issues dominate the campaign, analysts note a regional trend toward conservative governance. Patricio Navia, a political analyst and professor at New York University, remarked, “Voters are upset with governments all over the region,” highlighting a broader dissatisfaction with leftist administrations that have struggled to fulfill their promises of social change and equitable wealth distribution.

Kast’s rise in popularity is part of a larger conservative wave sweeping through Latin America. In Chile’s eight-candidate field, the election also saw notable performances from Franco Parisi, a businessman and economist who garnered 20% of the votes with a campaign focused on law and order, and Johannes Kaiser, a libertarian congressman who received 14%. Both candidates have indicated their support for Kast, further consolidating the right-wing bloc.

Despite his leading position, Kast faces challenges in securing a unified right-wing base. Some voters from Kaiser and establishment candidate Evelyn Matthei, who received 12.5% of the vote, expressed reluctance to support Kast due to his conservative values. However, both Kaiser and Matthei have publicly endorsed Kast, emphasizing the necessity for a significant shift in Chile’s political direction.

The political landscape in Latin America has shifted dramatically in recent years, with a trend away from leftist leaders who initially rose to power on promises of reform. The election of radical libertarian Javier Milei in Argentina and the continued support for right-wing leaders in Ecuador and El Salvador illustrate this shift. Analysts suggest that the emergence of conservative leadership could bolster the influence of the United States in the region, particularly in the context of competing interests with China.

Chile, known for its status as the world’s largest copper producer, remains a key player in the global economy, particularly as the demand for minerals essential to the energy transition increases. The political environment under President Gabriel Boric, who sought to implement progressive reforms following mass protests in 2019, has faced significant legislative challenges.

As the runoff approaches, both candidates must appeal to a divided electorate. With Kast advocating a tough stance on immigration and crime, and Jara focusing on social safety nets and combating money laundering, the upcoming election will likely shape the future trajectory of Chilean politics and its societal landscape.