At 8:00 p.m., with 52% of polling stations counted, preliminary results already showed the irreversible trend. More than 14 million Chileans participated in the process, which unfolded normally except for some long lines and isolated disputes at voting centers in Santiago, where many poll workers were serving for the first time.
Jeannette Jara awaited the results in a downtown hotel and then went to the Alameda, where her campaign set up an impressive stage. There, she thanked her voters and launched veiled criticisms over the smear campaign she claims to have suffered: "A fraternal embrace to all who voted for me, and also to those who didn't. I want to greet Evelyn Matthei, who was the victim of a terrible campaign, of discrediting her; such gestures in politics can't be allowed," she declared, alluding to digital attacks by alleged "bots."
Kast, meanwhile, spoke from his headquarters in Las Condes, flanked by Matthei. He highlighted the importance of support from the entire opposition: "The call Evelyn has made to all Chileans to unite for a cause that is Chile is very relevant. It's not the cause of a candidate; it's Chile's cause," he emphasized.
Matthei reinforced her position and openly urged people to vote for Kast in defense of the country:
"It's extremely important that this government doesn't remain in power. We have too many problems: security, economy, employment, an underfunded budget, absolutely uncontrolled migration. It's very important to make a strong change of course for the government," she asserted.
In a message to the country, President Gabriel Boric congratulated Jara and Kast on advancing to the runoff. He called for dialogue and asked people to vote "with conscience," although the numbers show a scenario widely favorable to Kast: "I trust that dialogue, respect, and affection for Chile will prevail over any differences," he expressed.
