SANTIAGO, Chile — Chileans cast their votes on Sunday in a highly anticipated election for president and parliament, with many analysts predicting a strong showing for right-leaning candidates as concerns about crime and immigration dominate the political landscape. This election marks the beginning of a potentially two-round presidential race, as early polls indicate that no candidate is likely to secure the majority needed to win outright.

The contest presents a stark contrast, featuring Jeannette Jara, a 51-year-old communist and former labor minister, against José Antonio Kast, a 59-year-old far-right lawyer known for his conservative views. Both candidates have modified their platforms in response to public anxiety over escalating organized crime linked to a rise in immigration, particularly from crisis-hit Venezuela.

Polling locations opened at 8 a.m. and closed at 6 p.m., with results expected to be reported throughout the evening. The political dynamics have shifted dramatically, as both Jara and Kast focus on the pressing issue of public safety, even as they represent polar opposite political ideologies.

Experts note that both frontrunners seem to be vying for voters in the political center, with Jara advocating for fiscal discipline and Kast sidestepping discussions about family values. Their messaging underscores a shared commitment to combating foreign gangs—specifically, the Tren de Aragua from Venezuela—whose activities have disrupted the public’s perception of Chile as a relatively safe haven in the region.

“Both candidates are addressing the fears and concerns that resonate with the electorate,” said Rodolfo Disi, a political expert at Adolfo Ibáñez University in Santiago. The importance of security has become a compelling focal point, prompting voters to reassess their options.

The race also includes notable challengers like Johannes Kaiser, a radical libertarian congressman, and Evelyn Matthei, a seasoned center-right politician. Analysts suggest that Jara may benefit from a united left, while the division among right-wing votes could impact Kast’s performance. With President Gabriel Boric barred from a consecutive term, the outcome of this election is seen as crucial for the future political landscape.

This election is historic, marking the first time that every eligible citizen in Chile is required to vote. After reintroducing mandatory voting in 2022, the country has seen an automatic voter registration system put into place, bringing millions of first-time voters into the fold. Failure to vote now carries penalties of up to $100.

The emergence of 4 million new voters presents intriguing possibilities, according to Robert Funk, a political science associate professor at the University of Chile. “We don’t yet know the demographics of these voters or how they will lean,” he noted, raising questions about the impact of this fresh electorate on the outcomes.

In addition to the presidential contest, Chileans will also elect members to the lower house of Congress and partially renew the Senate. Among the 15.7 million eligible voters, over 800,000 immigrants who reside in the country for five years or longer are exempt from mandatory voting. Many immigrants, especially those fleeing Venezuela, generally tend to support the right, further complicating the electoral landscape.

The issue of immigration is equally critical in the campaign, as candidates have adopted stringent stances on illegal entrants. Since 2017, the foreign population in Chile has doubled, resulting in 1.6 million immigrants recorded last year, with around 330,000 believed to be undocumented. Kast, for instance, has proposed building a vast wall on the northern border and deporting illegal entrants, while Kaiser has suggested detention facilities and barring undocumented children from attending school. Jara has also promised to enhance prison capacities and expel foreigners involved in drug offenses.

As Chile enters this pivotal election, the decisions made at the polls could have profound implications for both the nation’s governance and its social fabric moving forward.