SANTIAGO, Chile — The communist candidate of Chile’s center-left government, Jeannette Jara, and a hard-right veteran politician, José Antonio Kast, will vie for the country’s presidency in a runoff vote next month after neither gained a winning margin in a polarized election on Sunday, the government said.

With nearly 80% of the vote counted and results still trickling in, Chile’s left-wing President Gabriel Boric recognized Jara and Kast as the front-runners headed to the second round of elections, scheduled for Dec. 14.

“I trust that dialogue, respect and love for Chile will prevail over any differences,” Boric said as he congratulated the rivals.

Shortly after he spoke, cheers erupted from the campaign headquarters of Jara and Kast on opposite ends of the capital of Santiago.

Jara

See Full Page