Communist and hard-right candidates in Chile’s presidential race heading to runoff

Chile is headed for a presidential runoff next month after neither leading candidate secured enough votes to win outright in Sunday’s election, officials announced.

Jeannette Jara, the Chilean government’s communist-backed labor minister, will run against José Antonio Kast, a hard-right candidate. 

With about 80% of ballots counted, President Gabriel Boric acknowledged the two contenders as the clear finalists for the Dec. 14 second round. 

Celebrations took place at Jara’s and Kast’s headquarters as the returns were reported. 

Jara led the field with about 26% of the vote, which was well below the 50% needed to avoid a runoff. 

Kast followed closely at more than 24%.