Chile’s government announced that Jeannette Jara, the communist candidate backed by the center-left coalition, and José Antonio Kast, a veteran politician from the hard right, will face off in a presidential runoff next month after neither secured a decisive victory in Sunday’s polarised election.

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

Supporters erupted in cheers at the campaign offices of both Jara and Kast across Santiago shortly after he spoke. Jara received over 26% of the valid votes, well below the 50% needed to win outright in the first round.

“I want to send a warm hug to all those who voted for me,”

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