Chile’s presidential race will move to a decisive second round after no candidate secured the required 50 percent majority in Sunday’s first-round vote, according to preliminary results released by the Chilean Electoral Service (Servel).

Unity for Chile candidate Jeannette Jara emerged in first place with 26.76 percent, positioning the left-wing contender as the frontrunner heading into the runoff. She will face José Antonio Kast, the far-right Republican Party candidate, who secured 24.05 percent and finished a close second.

Economist Franco Parisi of the People’s Party took third place with 19.55 percent, followed by National Libertarian Party candidate Johannes Kaiser at 13.94 percent, and Let’s Go Chile candidate Evelyn Matthei with 12.59 percent.

With no contender surpassing the 50 percent threshold, Jara and Kast will go head-to-head in a runoff scheduled for 14 December, a vote expected to shape the direction of Chile’s political future.

Both Kaiser and Matthei announced their support for Kast in the second round, signaling a consolidation of right-wing forces behind the Republican Party leader.

President Gabriel Boric congratulated both advancing candidates, calling for a peaceful and democratic continuation of the electoral process as Chile prepares for a closely watched final round. (ILKHA)