Chile Roundup: UN Secretary-General nomination, Gaza stance, election shifts

Boric proposes former president Bachelet for UN leadership

On September 23, Chilean President Gabriel Boric addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York, announcing Chile’s nomination of former president Michelle Bachelet for Secretary-General of the UN. Boric described the role as crucial amid “tensions, prolonged conflicts, climate crisis and humanitarian crisis.” The proposal has been framed by the ruling party as a matter of state, but the opposition has reacted cautiously. 

Boric calls for Netanyahu trial over Gaza war

In his UN address, Boric demanded accountability for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for him to face charges of genocide before an international court. He condemned civilian deaths in Gaza, stressing that the loss of children “resonates far beyond Gaza” and is felt in Chile. The president also criticised violations of sovereignty, assassinations on neutral ground, and wars waged under false pretences, urging renewed international dialogue and cooperation.

Mandatory voting set to shape presidential race

Chile’s Congress is moving to enforce compulsory voting in the 2025 presidential election, with fines of up to 103,000 pesos ($136) for abstention. With voter registration now automatic, this will be the first time all eligible citizens must vote. Analysts suggest the measure could benefit conservative frontrunner José Antonio Kast, who is vying to succeed Boric in November’s elections.

Right-wing candidate pledges mass deportations of undocumented migrants

Far-right presidential candidate José Antonio Kast has vowed to deport all undocumented migrants, including children, if elected. He said illegal migration would be criminalised and offenders held in detention centres until expulsion. Kast also pledged special prisons for foreign nationals convicted of crimes. His hardline stance echoes past proposals, such as building a wall along Chile’s border with Bolivia. Polls show Kast tied with communist candidate Jeannette Jara, with both leading conservative Evelyn Matthei. Rising crime and insecurity remain central voter concerns ahead of the November 16 first-round vote.

Dispute over imported human legs for training

Thirty human legs imported from the United States for surgical training in Chile have been stranded in a Santiago warehouse for over a year pending a Supreme Court decision. The Health Authority argues that cadavers used for teaching and research must originate from domestic donations, while the Surgical Medical Training Centre (CEMQ), the importer, is challenging the restriction. The case has highlighted ongoing shortages of body donations for medical training in Chile, with universities increasingly struggling to supply anatomy labs.