In a pivotal pre-election address, Chilean leftist coalition candidate Jeannette Jara issued a stark warning to voters, framing the upcoming runoff as a critical juncture for the nation’s social progress. Representing a coalition of progressive and Christian Democratic parties, Jara emphasized that core achievements—including scheduled pension increases set for January, the recently enacted 40-hour workweek law, and accountability mechanisms for human rights violators—now face potential reversal.
Directly addressing the platform of her far-right opponent, José Antonio Kast of the Republican Party, Jara declared, “There cannot be a setback for our country. Chile needs certainty, it needs a future, it needs hope.” She positioned the election as a choice between continuing social reforms or embracing a conservative agenda that questions fundamental aspects of Chile’s developmental trajectory.
Outlining her immediate governance priorities, Jara committed to launching extensive neighborhood security interventions within her first 100 days in office. This comprehensive plan targets the dismantling of drug distribution networks, weapon confiscation initiatives, and the recovery of illegally occupied properties across communities.
With recent polls indicating a competitive runoff despite Jara’s initial lead in the November 16 first round, the candidate made a final appeal to supporters. She urged them to actively engage undecided voters in the closing days before Sunday’s decisive election, highlighting the profound policy implications at stake.
