Communist candidate could become new president in Chile

Voters in Chile are going to the polls to determine the successor of outgoing President Gabriel Boric.

In the polls, communist Jeannette Jara is ahead of right-wing politician José Antonio Kast, conservative Evelyn Matthei and far-right Johannes Kaiser.

But former labor minister Jara is unlikely to win an absolute majority, meaning a runoff election between the top two candidates would be necessary in December.

If the defeated opponents unite, it seems likely that a right-wing candidate will win in the second round.

The new president, as well as nearly half of the senators and all 155 members of the House of Representatives, will be up for election on Sunday.

The election campaign in the South American country focused on economic issues, crime and immigration.

Although Chile is still one of the safest countries in the region, crime has increased in some regions recently.

Incumbent left-wing president Boric is not allowed to run again after his four-year term for constitutional reasons.

About 15.8 million people will be able to vote on Sunday, and results are expected late at night. Voting is compulsory in Chile.

The future president will take office on March 11, 2026.