Chile’s Presidential Election: Candidates Clash Over Crime and Immigration

Chile is poised for a significant presidential election on October 29, 2023, featuring a diverse array of candidates amid rising concerns about crime and immigration. The frontrunners include long-time Communist Party member Jeannette Jara and two ultraconservative politicians, José Antonio Kast and Johannes Kaiser. With the country experiencing increasing crime rates and public discontent with the leftist policies of President Gabriel Boric, analysts suggest that voters may seek a shift in direction.

The ballot includes eight candidates, but Jara, a former labor minister, stands out as the only representative from Chile’s left-wing coalition. Leading in most polls, she has sought to distance herself from Boric’s unpopular administration. Despite her leftist ties, Jara has indicated a willingness to suspend her Communist Party membership if elected, focusing her campaign on promoting domestic production, enhancing workers’ rights, and raising the minimum wage. She has also responded to security concerns by proposing increased funding for law enforcement, the construction of more prisons, and advanced border security technology.

Kast, a far-right politician, is recognized for his tough stance on immigration and crime, often drawing comparisons to former US President Donald Trump. His platform includes closing borders and deporting approximately 300,000 individuals who entered Chile irregularly. Kast has a history of opposing abortion and same-sex marriage and previously suggested extreme measures like digging trenches along the northern border to deter illegal immigration. His familial background, including allegations regarding his father’s affiliation with the Nazi party, has not prominently influenced this campaign.

Emerging as a significant candidate in the final weeks is Kaiser, a libertarian YouTuber who advocates for radical economic policies, including austerity and harsher penalties for criminals. His recent proposals to transfer immigrants with criminal records to a notorious prison in El Salvador have garnered attention. Kaiser, who co-founded a new right-wing party in 2024, claims that his campaign is further right than Kast’s, stating in an interview, “to my right is Genghis Khan.”

Key Issues in the Election

As insecurity rises in Chile, with crime victims increasing since 2021, candidates have prioritized crime control in their platforms. According to the National Institute of Statistics, the public feels increasingly vulnerable due to high levels of drug trafficking and organized crime. Luz Araceli González, a professor of International Relations at Tecnológico de Monterrey, emphasized that security is a central concern in this election, reflecting broader trends in Latin America.

Candidates are making promises to tackle crime, yet it remains uncertain whose strategies will resonate most with voters. If no candidate secures more than half of the votes on Sunday, a runoff election will occur on December 14, 2024, between the two leading candidates, which many analysts predict will be a challenging contest for Jara.

Political analyst Guillermo Holzmann highlighted that a segment of the electorate seeks solutions outside the polarized left-right spectrum, indicating that the rising far-right is not only seen as sensible but also electable. He noted that Kast’s chances are bolstered by unresolved issues from the Boric administration, particularly regarding public safety and organized crime.

As Chile approaches this pivotal election, the outcome may signal a significant ideological shift in the nation’s governance. Voters are increasingly looking for decisive action in response to pressing social issues, setting the stage for a competitive electoral battle.