CHILEANS headed to the polls in a presidential run-off today that was expected to deliver the country’s sharpest shift to the right since the end of Augusto Pinochet’s military dictatorship in 1990.

Nearly 15.6 million registered voters were eligible to cast ballots in Chile, where voting is mandatory, with polls closing at 6pm local time (9pm GMT) and early results expected shortly afterwards.

The contest pitted far-right candidate Jose Antonio Kast of the Republican Party against Jeannette Jara, the ruling coalition’s nominee from the Communist Party.

Ms Jara topped the first round in November with 26.85 per cent, while Mr Kast finished second on 23.92 per cent after consolidating support from other right-wing candidates.

Analysts projected that backing could push him past the 50 per cent threshold needed to win.

Mr Kast’s rise reflects a consolidation of the right around a hard-line law-and-order agenda, including mass deportations of undocumented migrants and an expanded role for the military in fighting organised crime.

Supporters say his message resonates amid public anxiety over crime, with homicides hitting a record high in 2022 during President Gabriel Boric’s first year in office.

But critics argue Mr Kast exaggerates links between immigration and crime and warn his proposals echo authoritarian policies from Chile’s past.

Even if elected, his ability to implement them remains uncertain, as his party lacks a majority in Congress and would need to negotiate with more moderate conservatives.

Some centrist voters expressed unease with both candidates.

“Both are too extreme for me,” said Juan Carlos Pileo, 44, who cast a blank ballot.

Others said they were willing to overlook concerns over human rights and Mr Kast’s conservative views in the hope of improved security.