Chilean Center Party Fractures, Leans Right Ahead of Presidential Runoff
A growing number of Chilean Democrats are signaling support for Republican Party candidate José Antonio Kast, despite initial ambiguity from party leadership following a disappointing showing in Sunday’s presidential election. The shift reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the current government and deep reservations about the Communist Party candidate, Jeannette Jara.
The initial outcome of the election – a setback for the Democrats, who failed to reach the minimum threshold for parliamentary representation – left the center party at a critical juncture. Senator Ximena Rincón, head of the party, issued a statement on November 16th, asserting that “the verdict of the citizens has been clear: seven out of ten Chileans rejected the continuity of this bad government.” The statement explicitly ruled out support for Jara, but remained noncommittal regarding Kast.
This perceived ambiguity sparked immediate internal debate. According to reports, the statement was circulated within a WhatsApp group for party members, quickly prompting questions about the path forward. A former deputy candidate reportedly accused the statement of being “unclear,” demanding a definitive stance on Kast.
Rincón defended the initial messaging, stating, “The message is clear. Look at the first paragraph.” However, the interpretation remained contested. “That tells me no to Jara, but I can interpret that it can be blank, null or Kast,” one activist reportedly countered. Several party members have since voiced explicit support for Kast, citing concerns over security, migration, and economic policy.
“Kast is much closer (to us), due to security, migration, budget efficiency, etc., than the communist candidate. No more disastrous communism,” one party leader commented. This sentiment appears to be gaining traction within the party ranks. The general secretary, Carlos Maldonado, stated he would vote for Kast, reversing his decision from the 2021 election. Similarly, Vice President Gabriel Alemparte emphasized the need for alternatives focused on economic growth and security, stating, “I will not vote under any circumstances for the continuity of this government. And even less so for a PC candidate.”
Regional leaders are also breaking ranks to openly endorse Kast. The regional president of Democrats in Tarapacá, Jorge Zavala, announced that his regional board would immediately support Kast’s candidacy, stating, “We are not going to wait for instructions. What is at stake today is the future of our country.” Margaret Miranda, the regional president in Atacama, echoed this sentiment, noting that the national directive allowed for freedom of action and that a majority of local members favored supporting Kast.
The growing momentum behind Kast within the Democrats underscores the deep divisions within Chilean politics and the widespread desire for change following a period of political instability. While the national party leadership has yet to issue a full endorsement, the groundswell of support from regional and individual members suggests a significant shift in the political landscape as Chile heads toward the second round of the presidential election.
