Politics Possible shift to the right in Chile's presidential election
There are signs of a political change of direction in Chile's presidential election. Communist Jeannette Jara from the government camp was ahead of right-wing politician José Antonio Kast, conservative Evelyn Matthei and ultra-right Johannes Kaiser in the polls. However, former labor minister Jara is likely to miss out on an absolute majority and thus victory in the first round of voting.
16.11.2025, 13:07
SDA
In the run-off election between the two strongest candidates in December in the South American country, everything points to the victory of a candidate from the right-wing camp, as the voters of the defeated right-wing candidates are likely to rally around him.
In addition to the future president, almost half of the senators and all 155 deputies will also be newly elected. Around 15.8 million people have been called to vote this Sunday. Voting is compulsory in Chile. The polling stations close at 18:00 (22:00 CET). The first results are expected on Monday night.
Security and migration in the focus of the election campaign
While the incumbent left-wing president, Gabriel Boric, was elected four years ago to address the severe social disparities and improve the education and healthcare systems, the focus has now shifted. The election campaign centered on the issues of security and migration. Although Chile is still one of the safest countries in the region, crime has recently increased in some areas.
Head of state Boric is not allowed to stand for re-election after his four-year term of office for constitutional reasons. The future president will take office on March 11, 2026.
