As Chile prepares for its upcoming presidential election in November, political dynamics are shifting significantly. President Gabriel Boric’s term is nearing its end, and candidates from various factions are gearing up to vie for his position. Currently, the political landscape is leaning towards the right, a notable change from Boric’s left-wing coalition, which includes his party, Frente Amplio.
Boric, who rose to power amid widespread protests known as the "social outbreak," has struggled to achieve his ambitious goals for change. His administration faced a major setback when voters rejected a proposed new constitution, aimed at replacing the 1980 constitution established under dictator Augusto Pinochet. This defeat was compounded by a second proposed constitution from the right, which also failed, albeit by a smaller margin. Once seen as a leader of the progressive movement in Latin America, Boric now finds himself in a challenging position, as younger voters increasingly lean toward right-wing candidates.
In response to the changing political tides, the left hopes to unify behind a single candidate. A primary election is set for June, where candidates from various leftist groups, including communists and progressives, will select one individual to represent them in the general election. Carolina Tohá, the former mayor of Santiago and Boric’s interior minister, is currently the frontrunner for this role.
On the right, candidates are eager to take advantage of the current political climate. Evelyn Matthei, a center-right candidate, is leading in the polls. She has distanced herself from her past support of Pinochet’s regime, adopting more moderate views, including support for same-sex marriage and abortion rights. This shift aims to attract younger urban voters who are disillusioned with the left but wary of more extreme right-wing figures.
However, Matthei faces significant competition from two populist right-wing candidates, José Antonio Kast and Johannes Kaiser. Kast, a well-known figure who has a strong following among evangelical Christians, advocates for a tough stance on crime and immigration, seeking to reverse many of Boric’s reforms. Kaiser, a rising star in Chilean politics, offers a fresh perspective by promoting libertarian ideals, including reduced taxes and less government intervention. He has gained traction among younger voters who may not identify as traditional conservatives.
The fragmentation on the right could complicate their chances in the election. With multiple candidates vying for votes, they risk splitting the right-wing base. The candidate who secures second place in the first round of voting will likely face the left-wing candidate in a runoff, making that position crucial for the future of right-wing politics in Chile.
As the election approaches, all eyes will be on how these candidates position themselves and whether they can rally their supporters to unite against a common opponent. This election could determine the direction of Chilean politics for years to come.