Chile’s presidential run-off pits far-right José Antonio Kast against centre-left Jeannette Jara in a contest that could reshape the country’s post-Pinochet political balance. Kast leads in polls on a platform of tougher crime policy, mass deportations and spending cuts; Jara — a former labour minister and Communist Party member who says she would resign the party if elected — struggles to expand her appeal. Analysts say Kast’s ambitious agenda faces practical limits without a congressional majority, while voter disillusionment may drive higher blank ballots.
Kast vs Jara: Chile’s High-Stakes Runoff That Could Reshape Its Political Course
Workers of the Nunoa municipality prepare a polling station for the presidential election run-off, in Santiago, on December 13, 2025 [File: Eitan Abramovich/AFP]
Chileans are casting ballots in a closely watched presidential run-off between far-right challenger José Antonio Kast and centre-left candidate Jeannette Jara. Pre-election polls show Kast with a lead after the first round, and both campaigns are racing to win over voters disillusioned with the political mainstream.
The Candidates And Their Platforms
José Antonio Kast, 59, leader of the Republican Party, has built his campaign around crime and undocumented migration, promising mass deportations, steep public spending cuts and an expanded role for the military in fighting organised crime. Kast has consolidated much of the right-wing vote from defeated rivals, making him the favourite going into the runoff.
Jeannette Jara, 51, the governing coalition’s centre-left nominee and former labour minister, campaigned on social and welfare reforms but struggled to broaden her appeal. A member of Chile’s Communist Party, Jara says she would resign from the party if elected and has shifted rhetoric toward tougher border controls and stronger policing to win undecided voters.
Context And Stakes
In the first round, Jara took nearly 27% of the vote and Kast about 24%, while right-leaning candidates together won roughly 70% of ballots on November 16. Analysts warn a Kast victory could alter Chile's political trajectory for the first time since the country returned to democracy 35 years ago, reviving memories of the Pinochet era—Kast was an outspoken supporter of Augusto Pinochet in his youth.
At the same time, many voters are frustrated and feel neither finalist represents them. That disaffection is raising the prospect of a higher-than-usual number of blank ballots as Protest votes or abstentions.
Promises, Practical Limits And Risks
Kast has pledged to cut about $6 billion in public spending within 18 months without trimming social benefits, deport more than 300,000 undocumented migrants and broaden the army's role in tackling organised crime. However, his Republican Party does not control Congress, which means significant elements of his agenda would require negotiation with more moderate partners — a dynamic that could either dilute his proposals or, if he pushes too hard, alienate supporters who favour uncompromising action.
Critics warn Kast’s social conservatism could threaten gains on gender equality and other rights. Congresswoman Lorena Fries told Al Jazeera that Kast "runs on the traditional logic of traditional family dynamics," adding that "women will be at a disadvantage compared to men in the public and especially the political arena."
Security, Migration And Public Sentiment
Crime and migration dominate voter concerns. Chile experienced a homicide peak in 2022 as regional criminal groups exploited migration routes, though homicide levels have since fallen. Many voters now prioritize personal security over other issues — a reality that has helped Kast attract support despite worries about his ties to past authoritarianism.
Lucia Newman, Al Jazeera's Latin America editor, reporting from Santiago: "Many people are afraid of what will happen here if Kast wins the presidency, but many others tell us that they cannot bring themselves to vote for a communist, and that’s why more Chileans than ever are thinking of casting a blank ballot."
The result of this run-off could steer Chile toward more conservative policies in line with other right-leaning governments in the region — or it could produce a more moderated agenda if political realities force compromise in Congress.
