Chileans Head to Polls in Presidential Runoff Between Kast and Jara

Chileans will head to the polls on Sunday for a presidential runoff in which the favourite is a Donald Trump-inspired candidate who has pledged to build a wall along the country's borders to keep migrants out. José Antonio Kast, 59, an ultra-conservative former congressman, faces Jeannette Jara, 51, a former labour minister under the current centre-left president, Gabriel Boric, 39. According to recent polling, Kast is expected to succeed Boric, who has been in office since 2022. Kast's campaign has focused on expelling tens of thousands of undocumented migrants, a promise that has resonated with many Chileans who are concerned about the country's immigration policies. In a rally in Concepcion in December, Kast told supporters, "We need to take back our country, and we need to do it with an iron fist." Kast's supporters see him as a strong leader who can tackle the country's economic and social challenges, while his critics view him as a divisive figure who will exacerbate social tensions. Jara, who finished the first round ahead with 26.9% of the vote to Kast's 23.9%, has been endorsed by a left-wing coalition of parties. She has promised to continue Boric's policies, including increasing social spending and improving access to education and healthcare. In a statement, Jara said, "I am committed to building a more just and equitable society for all Chileans, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status." The presidential runoff is a result of Chile's unique electoral system, which requires a candidate to win at least 50% of the vote to be elected. In the first round, Kast and Jara were the top two candidates, but right-wing contenders took more than half of the votes. This has raised concerns about the potential volatility of the election, particularly given the compulsory voting law, which requires all eligible citizens to cast a ballot. Kast's victory would mark a significant shift to the right in Chilean politics, which has been dominated by centre-left and left-wing governments since the end of the Pinochet regime in 1990. His supporters see him as a breath of fresh air who can bring much-needed change to the country, while his critics view him as a threat to the country's social and economic progress. The outcome of the election is uncertain, and both candidates have been campaigning intensively in the run-up to the vote. Kast has been focusing on his immigration policies, while Jara has been emphasizing her commitment to social justice and equality. The result will be announced on Sunday evening, and it is likely to have significant implications for Chile's future direction.