Jara vs Kast: The two competing visions shaping Chile’s 2025 presidential race - Video
As Chile approaches its presidential election on 16 November 2025, two leading figures, Jeannette Jara and José Antonio Kast, have emerged as the main contenders, each representing sharply contrasting approaches to the country’s future.
José Antonio Kast, leader of the Republican Party, continues to appeal to conservative voters through his emphasis on public security, economic liberalisation, and tighter immigration control. Migration has become one of his most visible campaign issues, as he calls for stricter border management and stronger national security measures in response to growing public concern over crime and irregular migration.
Jeannette Jara, a former labour minister and Communist Party member, has focused her message on social welfare and equality. Alongside her emphasis on workers’ rights and gender equity, she has underscored access to quality healthcare and investment in renewable energy as central goals. Jara has spoken of strengthening primary healthcare, expanding home delivery of medicines for older adults and chronic patients, and increasing diagnostic equipment in local clinics — particularly mammography machines, given Chile’s high breast cancer prevalence.
Recent polls suggest Jara holds a narrow lead in first-round voting intentions, though Kast could benefit from a broader right-leaning coalition in a potential runoff. This reflects a deeply divided electorate, where competing visions — one prioritising state support and social protection, the other market freedom and border security — are shaping one of Chile’s most polarised elections in recent decades.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
