Chile presidential candidate Kast holds double-digit poll lead

Matthew Malinowski, Bloomberg News on Nov 24, 2025

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Chile ultra-conservative presidential candidate José Antonio Kast secured a commanding double-digit lead in the first polls taken since he and a leftist rival advanced to the country’s runoff vote.

Kast was backed by 46% of respondents followed by Jeannette Jara, from the Communist Party, with 34%, according to a Cadem poll published late on Sunday night. It showed 20% of respondents reported they are unsure of who they will support, would annul their vote or would cast a blank ballot.

A separate Criteria survey also published on Sunday put Kast ahead with 50%, followed by Jara with 36%. Fourteen percent of respondents, in turn, would annul their vote or cast a blank ballot.

Kast is cruising toward the Dec. 14 runoff as voters fume over high crime, a surge in clandestine border crossings and a lackluster economy. In response, the former lower house deputy is pitching plans to deport thousands of undocumented migrants, reduce corporate taxes and streamline regulations. Still, critics say he lacks executive branch experience and attest that some of his marquee proposals — including cutting $6 billion in public spending over 18 months without affecting social programs — are unfeasible.

Last week, Kast met with dozens of mayors, as well as regional governors and right-wing party presidents in a push to consolidate support in his sector following a bruising campaign before the first round. His team also incorporated many high-profile economists who had previously worked with a more moderate rival, giving him an investor-friendly boost.

In the Nov. 16 first-round vote, Jara got 26.9%, followed by Kast with 23.9%, according to electoral body Servel.

The Cadem poll surveyed 1,491 people nationwide between Nov. 19-21. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points. The Criteria poll surveyed 1,202 people nationwide between Nov. 19-20.