SANTIAGO: Chileans began voting for a new president, making a stark choice between the most right-wing candidate in 35 years of democracy and the head of a leftist coalition. Polls show far-right candidate Jose Antonio Kast as the strong front-runner in the runoff vote against his rival Jeannette Jara, a long-standing member of the Communist Party. Almost 16 million citizens can cast their ballot in the election, with Kast's tough-on-crime and anti-migrant message seemingly resonating with many Chileans.
Kast has vowed to deport hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants, opposed abortion without exceptions, and voiced support for the bloody dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet (1973-1990). Security is the priority for 44-year old Santiago housewife Ursula Villalobos, who plans to vote for Kast and is willing to accept some radical changes if they bring safety. "What's important," she said, "is that people can leave their homes without fear and return at night without worrying that something will happen to them on street corners. "Given the extreme situation we're in right now, if we have to take somewhat extreme measures at the beginning to achieve a peaceful country later on, then yes, I would be willing to do that." Polls show more than 60 percent of Chileans think security is the top issue facing the country — far eclipsing the economy, healthcare or education. — AFP
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