"Chile is headed to a tense presidential runoff after a closely fought first-round vote Sunday set up a showdown between a member of the Communist Party and an ultraconservative veteran politician, sharply polarizing the country between the political left and right. Jeannette Jara, 51, the communist former labor minister and candidate of Chile's center-left governing coalition, won 26.8% of valid ballots with almost 100% of the vote counted, failing to pass the 50% threshold to secure victory in the first round."
"After learning he would advance to the next round, Kast urged the country's fractured right to unite behind him, framing the runoff as an existential struggle for Chile's future. 'It will be the most important election of our generation, a true referendum between two models of society the current one that has led Chile to destruction, stagnation, violence and hatred,' he told fans, interrupted by cheers every few seconds. 'And our model, which promotes freedom, hope and progress.'"
Chile will hold a presidential runoff between Jeannette Jara and Jose Antonio Kast after no candidate reached 50% in a close first round. Jara, 51, a communist and former labor minister allied with the center-left governing coalition, won 26.8% of valid ballots. Kast, 59, a hard-right former lawmaker and devout Catholic, captured almost 24% on a law-and-order platform emphasizing deportations and northern border barriers. Rising organized crime and anti-migrant sentiment have strengthened right-wing appeal. Kast urged the fractured right to unite, framing the runoff as an existential choice while Jara appealed against fear.
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