Chile heads into a presidential election marked by polarization, organized crime, and political disillusionment

 By Rodolfo Varela

Santiago, Chile – With less than four months to go before the November 16 presidential elections, Chile is entering one of the most critical political junctures since its return to democracy.

Arzobispo de Santiago, Cardenal Fernando Chomalì

Amid rising violence, the expansion of organized crime, and a political class tainted by corruption scandals, the country faces a highly polarized and deeply uncertain electoral process.

The recent formation of the "United Right"—a new coalition uniting the Republican Party (REP), the Christian Social Party (PSC), and the National Libertarian Party (PNL)—marks a strategic shift for Chile’s far-right, seeking to capitalize on public discontent and demands for harsher security measures.

On the other side of the spectrum, for the first time in the country’s history, a woman will lead the presidential candidacy of the progressive camp: Jeannette Jara. Though aligned with the current government, Jara presents a more moderate tone than her coalition, aiming to distance herself from ideological extremes and reconnect with a disenchanted citizenry.

In this context, Cardinal Fernando Chomalì, Archbishop of Santiago, issued a strong call for civility:

"I call on the presidential candidates to respect the dignity of their opponents; never to use violence as a political method; to be an example of civic culture, generosity, and mutual respect for young people; and to promote ideas, not hatred."

Crime infiltrates the State

But symbolic gestures fall short when organized crime penetrates the heart of the State. Outgoing President Gabriel Boric raised alarms this week by denouncing the infiltration of the armed forces by drug trafficking networks, exposing how criminal groups are using military resources and logistics. A direct blow to one of the country’s key institutions.

Adding to the tension is the impact of massive immigration, with over one million people arriving in the past decade. Without robust integration policies, migrants have often been scapegoated by xenophobic sectors seeking to justify repressive measures.

Democracy at stake, wounds still open

The first electoral round is scheduled for November 16, alongside legislative elections for the National Congress. If no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, a runoff will take place on December 14.

Chile heads into this pivotal moment with deep scars: a crisis of representation, growing inequality, and widespread public distrust. But there are wounds that remain unhealed since the brutal military dictatorship—victims who continue to demand truth, justice, and reparations, while watching with dismay as some of the regime’s beneficiaries remain in positions of power and influence.

The question that lingers: can Chile’s democracy withstand this latest assault of populism, violence, and corruption? Or are we approaching a breaking point in the nation's political history?