Crime and Migration Take Center Stage in Chile's Presidential Election

Chile Prepares for Pivotal Presidential Election Amid Security Concerns

Chile is gearing up for its presidential election on November 16, 2025, with a potential runoff scheduled for December 14. The election comes at a critical juncture, as concerns over escalating crime rates, the growing presence of organized gangs, and the impact of migration have emerged as dominant issues shaping the political landscape and voter sentiment. The new president is slated to be sworn in on March 11, 2026.

Rising Insecurity and the Shadow of Organized Crime

Historically considered one of Latin America's safest nations, Chile has experienced a notable surge in criminal activity over the past decade. The homicide rate has reportedly doubled, and the country is grappling with an increase in kidnappings, drug trafficking, and other violent crimes. Organized crime groups, including transnational entities like Tren de Aragua and Los Pulpos, have expanded their operations within Chile, contributing to a heightened sense of insecurity among the populace. Public security is now considered the most important issue for approximately 64% of Chileans, according to an August Ipsos survey.

The outgoing administration of President Gabriel Boric has responded by implementing measures such as establishing a Ministry of Security, approving a new anti-terrorism law, and creating specialized units to combat organized crime. Furthermore, a constitutional reform proposal has been submitted to grant the armed forces permanent responsibility for security in border areas, aiming to curb organized crime and irregular migration. Despite these efforts, public perception of deteriorating security persists, evidenced by a 350% growth in the private security sector over the last decade.

Migration as a Key Electoral Issue

The influx of migrants, particularly from Venezuela, has become a significant political flashpoint, with many Chileans linking the rise in crime to the migration wave. Official estimates suggest around 337,000 undocumented immigrants reside in Chile. This demographic shift has fueled debates over the costs associated with providing social services to migrants and has contributed to a more restrictive stance on immigration policy.

Candidates' Stances and Policy Proposals

The leading presidential candidates have made public security and migration central to their platforms:

• José Antonio Kast, the far-right candidate from the Republican Party, advocates for a tough-on-crime approach. His proposals include building a border wall, deploying soldiers to border regions, implementing mass deportations, and expanding prison infrastructure. Kast has openly praised El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele's 'anti-gang war' as a model for restoring order.
• Jeannette Jara, the Communist Party candidate backed by the governing Unidad por Chile coalition, is also a front-runner. She pledges to continue and strengthen policies aimed at bolstering police forces and expanding prison capacity.
• Evelyn Matthei, a center-right contender, has proposed investing in personnel and equipment to combat organized crime and tightening border and migration controls.

The election marks the first time since 2012 that voting will be mandatory, underscoring the high stakes and the public's demand for decisive action on these pressing issues.