Chile 2025 Election Could Right-Wing Return to Power?

Chile 2025 election sees rising concerns over crime, immigration, and the economy, as left and right-wing candidates vie for power in a historic vote

Chile’s 2025 presidential election could signal a major political change as the country’s right-wing seeks to capitalize on growing public concerns over crime, immigration, and economic uncertainty. With outgoing President Gabriel Boric completing his term, both left and right factions are preparing for a tense and closely watched election.
Supporters of presidential candidates rally in Santiago, Chile. Photo: Esteban Felix/AP Photo

When Are the Elections and How Do They Work?

The first round of Chile’s presidential election is scheduled for November 16, 2025. Candidates must secure 50% of the vote to win outright. If no one achieves this, a second-round runoff will be held on December 14.

This election is particularly significant because all 155 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 23 out of 50 Senate seats are also up for grabs. Mandatory voting has returned for the first time since 2012, which is expected to boost participation rates above the 47% turnout seen in 2021. Chile currently has 15.45 million registered voters, according to the government’s electoral agency.

Key Presidential Candidates

Jeannette Jara: The Left-Wing Contender

Jeannette Jara, 51, represents Boric’s governing coalition, Unity for Chile, which includes eight political parties. Jara made history as a working-class leader from the Communist Party, gaining widespread recognition for her role as labor minister.

Her campaign emphasizes:

• Economic affordability: Proposals to raise the minimum wage and increase access to housing.
• Public safety: Plans to expand police training and the prison system.
• Stability and experience: A focus on steady governance following Boric’s term.

Jose Antonio Kast: Far-Right Front-Runner

Jose Antonio Kast, 59, is leading the far-right Republican Party. Kast previously lost to Boric in 2021 but remains a strong contender. His campaign is fueled by tough stances on crime and immigration, inspired by El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele.

Key proposals include:

• Mass deportation of undocumented migrants
• Reduced government spending
• Incentives for private investment
• Support for the legacy of Augusto Pinochet

Johannes Kaiser: The Libertarian Challenger

Johannes Kaiser, a former YouTuber and member of the Chamber of Deputies, represents the National Libertarian Party. He advocates for:

• Pro-market economic reforms
• Withdrawal from certain international agreements
• Tough public safety measures, including death penalty and increased access to firearms

Other Candidates

What Do the Polls Show?

Recent polling averages by Americas Society/Council of the Americas (AS/COA) suggest:

• Jeannette Jara leads with approximately 25% support
• Jose Antonio Kast follows with 20%
• Johannes Kaiser and Franco Parisi hold 10–14% each
• Evelyn Matthei ranges between 11–14%

The fragmented right-wing vote in the first round could consolidate around Kast or Kaiser in a potential runoff.

Key Election Issues

Crime and Public Safety

Crime has become a top concern for Chilean voters despite the country’s relatively low violence rates in the region. Recent surges in organized crime, theft, and corruption have raised anxiety among citizens, especially business owners. Candidates like Kast advocate for a “mano dura” or hardline approach, while Jara proposes expanding police resources and building more prisons.

Immigration

Migration to Chile surged 46.8% between 2018 and 2024, mostly from Venezuela. Rising immigration has become a polarizing issue:

• Kast calls for mass deportations
• Jara proposes a temporary registration system for undocumented migrants

Economic Concerns

Chile’s economy faces headwinds with 9% unemployment, one of the highest rates in Latin America. Economic stagnation, coupled with high cost of living, is fueling debates over minimum wage, job creation, and business incentives.

What This Election Could Mean for Chile

The 2025 election could mark a shift back to right-wing leadership, particularly if concerns about crime, immigration, and the economy dominate voter sentiment. Yet, the left retains influence through Jara’s historic candidacy and policies aimed at social equity.

This election will not only determine the next president but also shape Chile’s legislative agenda for years to come, influencing everything from economic reforms to public safety and immigration policies.

Chileans face a pivotal choice that could redefine the country’s political landscape and its approach to social and economic challenges.