Chileans are set to vote on Sunday in a presidential runoff that features far-right candidate José Antonio Kast as the frontrunner. Kast, a 59-year-old former congressman, has garnered attention for his ultra-conservative platform, which includes a proposal to construct a wall along Chile’s borders to curb immigration. His campaign has been characterized by a strong stance against undocumented migrants, with promises to expel tens of thousands of individuals currently residing in the country without legal status.
Kast’s opponent is Jeannette Jara, 51, who previously served as the labor minister under the current president, Gabriel Boric. Jara represents a centre-left perspective and is seeking to continue the policies of the Boric administration, which has focused on social reforms and addressing inequality.
The runoff comes amid a backdrop of compulsory voting in Chile, which could lead to unpredictable voter turnout and potentially influence the election’s outcome. As the nation prepares to cast its ballots, the results will have significant implications for Chile’s political landscape and its approach to immigration and social policy.
