Chile Presidential Run-Off Set: Jara and Kast to Face Off in December

According to Reuters, Jara narrowly won the first round, followed closely by Kast. The result is expected to give a boost to Kast, as Jara was the only left-wing candidate running against several right-wing candidates, which split the right-wing vote. In the 14 December run-off, voters will have to coalesce around one of these two candidates. Kast is expected to pick up votes from other candidates who did not make the final two, including the centre-right senator Evelyn Matthei and the radical libertarian congressman Johannes Kaiser. If Kast were to win, he would be the first far-right president in Chile's history, while Jara's victory would mark a significant shift to the left. In a statement, Jara emphasized her commitment to addressing the country's social and economic challenges. "We will continue to fight for a more just and equitable society, where everyone has access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities," she said. Kast, on the other hand, has pledged to take a tougher stance on crime and immigration. "We need to restore order and security in our country, and that means being firm on immigration and crime," he said in a recent interview. The presidential election campaign was marked by a surge in migration to Chile, with many Venezuelans fleeing economic and political instability in their home country. Candidates pledged to address the issue, with some promising to deport migrants who commit crimes. The run-off vote is expected to be closely watched by international observers, who will be monitoring the campaign and the election process for any signs of irregularities. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for Chile's politics and economy, and will shape the country's relationships with its neighbors and the international community. In the coming weeks, both Jara and Kast will intensify their campaigns, with a focus on winning over undecided voters and securing support from their respective bases. The run-off vote is set to take place on 14 December, with the winner expected to be announced shortly after.