The Intelligence from The Economist Left, right and no centre: Chile’s elections
Nov 22, 2021
Ana Lengas, an Argentina and Chile correspondent for The Economist, dives into the polarized Chilean elections, revealing how extreme candidates are reshaping the political landscape. She discusses the challenges of constitutional reform amid deep voter divisions. Kinley Salmon, the Africa correspondent, shares insights from Mali, where Western efforts against jihadism are faltering. Together, they highlight pressing governance issues and the dynamics of insecurity in both regions, as well as the fight for equality in gaming, showcasing the rise of women in esports.
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Chile's Polarized Election
- Chile's 2021 presidential election was highly polarized, featuring candidates from the far right and communist-friendly left.
- This polarization follows social unrest and a move to rewrite the Pinochet-era constitution.
Kast's Platform
- José Antonio Kast, the far-right candidate, opposes significant systemic change and wants to maintain Pinochet's economic model.
- Kast's socially conservative views include opposing same-sex marriage, and he's known for his effective, often self-deprecating campaigning.
Boric's Vision
- Gabriel Boric, the left-wing candidate, proposes radical changes, including scrapping Pinochet's public service model and raising taxes.
- Boric also supports a progressive social agenda, including legalizing abortion, same-sex marriage, and gender self-identification from age 14.