Chile's Presidential Run-Off: Boric Faces Kast in a Nation Divided

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, December 12th 2025 at 4:12 GMT by WNYT NewsChannel 13

Chile’s Presidential Run‑Off: A Nation Divided Between Hope for Reform and Fear of Authoritarianism

The 2024 Chilean presidential election has moved into its decisive phase, with voters now choosing between two very different visions for the country’s future. The runoff pits the charismatic left‑wing ex‑lawyer Gabriel Boric against the hard‑right, former army officer José Antonio Kast. While both men are polarizing figures, the campaign has revealed a society split along lines of ideology, socioeconomic status, and regional identity—an echo of the turbulence that has characterised Chile since the end of Pinochet’s dictatorship.

The Candidates and Their Platforms

Gabriel Boric – The 33‑year‑old senator who rose from student‑protester to president in 2022, Boric’s campaign is built around a “new constitution” that would replace the 1980 constitutional charter imposed by the military regime. He promises universal free‑education, a progressive tax system, expansion of the state pension, and a larger role for the state in the economy. His campaign rhetoric frames him as a defender of the “new Chile” that emerged after the 2019 protests, which demanded an end to social inequality and a more participatory democracy.

José Antonio Kast – Kast, who is 68 and a former army lieutenant colonel, presents himself as a conservative nationalist and a staunch defender of law and order. He has positioned himself as a bulwark against a perceived leftist takeover, promising to uphold the Chilean market‑oriented model, increase security forces, preserve traditional values, and protect property rights. Kast’s rhetoric is more combative, often echoing the rhetoric of populist right‑wing leaders in other countries.

The Polarised Landscape

The public opinion data paints a picture of a nation deeply divided. Polls from several Chilean research groups suggest that the gap between Boric and Kast is narrowing, though Kast’s support is particularly strong in the north and in rural areas, where traditional industries and evangelical churches hold sway. Boric’s base remains in Santiago and the south, where the 2019 protests were most intense and where the legacy of the Chilean state pension and health system remains a key concern.

One factor exacerbating polarization is the perceived threat that the far‑right’s economic model poses to Chile’s highly successful mixed‑economy. Some of Kast’s proposals—such as privatizing public assets or cutting public services—have alarmed both the left and moderate centrists. Meanwhile, Boric’s proposals for a progressive tax and a new constitution have raised fears among the business community and the wealthy, who fear a loss of their tax advantages.

The cultural divide is also palpable. Kast’s campaign has heavily relied on the support of evangelical churches, which are growing rapidly in Chile and have a significant political voice. He has aligned himself with the Catholic Church’s more conservative leaders, promising to protect traditional family values. Conversely, Boric’s rhetoric has resonated with the more secular, younger, and progressive segments of society, particularly women, LGBT+ groups, and indigenous Mapuche activists.

Historical Context

Chile’s political culture is heavily influenced by its transition from dictatorship to democracy in 1990. The 1980 constitution, drafted by the military regime, remains a contentious issue. The 2019 protests were sparked by an increase in Metro fares but quickly turned into a nationwide call for a new constitution and a reduction in inequality. Boric, who has been at the centre of that movement, is seen by many as the embodiment of that new social contract.

On the other side, Kast’s narrative draws on a nostalgic image of order and discipline during the dictatorship, appealing to those who view the post‑Pinochet era as a period of instability. He is supported by those who view the left‑wing push for social reforms as a threat to property rights and traditional values.

The Role of Media and Social Platforms

The campaign has been marked by a high level of media saturation. Both candidates have used television, radio, and especially social media to reach voters. The far‑right’s strategy has included a focus on misinformation and a heavy reliance on “digital influencers” to disseminate their narrative. Boric’s campaign, meanwhile, has attempted to counter this by focusing on fact‑based policy proposals and community‑level engagement.

Chile’s media landscape is relatively open, but there have been accusations that media coverage is biased toward the left. The AP and other international outlets have highlighted the need for unbiased reporting in a country where the electoral system is already highly contentious.

Economic Concerns and Voter Mood

Chile’s economy is one of the strongest in Latin America, but its wealth is not evenly distributed. The 2023 year saw a slowdown in GDP growth, and inflation was reported at 6.2%, the highest in a decade. Workers have seen modest wage increases that do not keep pace with cost of living. In addition, Chile’s pension system remains one of the most unequal in the world, with low-income retirees earning only about 30% of the average salary. These economic realities are at the heart of the election and are driving many voters to support Boric’s promises for a stronger welfare state.

The “new constitution” is expected to overhaul Chile’s pension system. In March 2022, the Constitutional Convention approved a draft that would replace the private pension system with a fully public pension scheme. However, the draft was rejected in a 2022 referendum. The new constitution would address pension inequality, health care, and education, and would be a decisive factor for voters who are dissatisfied with the current system.

Looking Ahead

Chile’s runoff is scheduled for May 19. The final tally will determine whether the country will continue its path of gradual reforms, or whether it will shift towards a more conservative, market‑oriented direction. Both candidates have campaigned on high‑stakes issues: a new constitution, social inequality, the pension system, and the direction of the Chilean economy.

The runoff is expected to be fiercely contested. In the months to come, Chile will watch closely as the electorate decides whether to deepen the reforms of the past decade or roll back some of the gains made by the 2019 protests. The result will shape the trajectory of the country for the next decade and may have ripple effects across Latin America as other nations grapple with similar questions of social reform and economic policy.