santiago, Chile – Presidential candidate Jeannette Jara addressed voters and responded to emerging controversies following SundayS election, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation should she win the upcoming runoff vote [[1]].Jara’s remarks came amid reports of politically charged mass text messages and reflect broader concerns about political polarization as Chile navigates a possibly consequential shift in leadership [[2]]. The election follows a period of significant social and political change in the South American nation, including the drafting of a new constitution that was ultimately rejected by voters in 2022.
Jara, tras votar: “Cuando uno se opone a todo es Chile el que no avanza”
After casting her vote, presidential candidate Jeannette Jara emphasized the importance of constructive opposition in Chilean politics, warning that blanket resistance hinders national progress. The statement came during a press conference following voting at the Poeta Federico García Lorca school in Conchalí.
“Governing Chile is a large team effort, and as I’ve said, simply criticizing others isn’t enough,” Jara stated. “Opposing everything doesn’t work, and what we’ve seen recently is an obstructionist opposition, led by Republicans, that hasn’t offered any support to the government. I hope that in our government, we will have an opposition that is responsible and participates, and that when they disagree, they can do so freely, but without obstructing, because when one opposes everything, it is Chile that does not advance.”
Jara declined to comment directly on the legacy of current President Gabriel Boric, deferring the question to his administration. She did, however, highlight her own experience as Minister of Labor during her time in office.
Accompanied by local officials, including Maipú Mayor Tomás Vodanovic, Jara confirmed she has a preliminary cabinet lineup prepared should she win the election. “We have great teams, with people who have experience and potential,” she said. “Therefore, we have formed a preliminary list of the first ministers who will take office.” She stressed the need for preparedness, adding, “When one begins a government, there must already be work done, planned, with concrete measures. You can’t start on March 11 improvising, or just learning about the issues. It’s easy to criticize others, but governing is different. Governing requires teams, experience, skill, and a capacity for work.”
The former minister also addressed the controversy surrounding mass text messages sent to users of an application associated with the Lipigas company, which favored candidate José Antonio Kast and expressed anti-immigrant sentiment. Lipigas has attributed the messages to unauthorized access to its platform. Jara stated, “When messages are sent in support of a candidate on the same day of the election, it is evidently a problem, but the specific facts need to be properly investigated. The company has a version, and I believe that if it is accurate, it should initiate the appropriate legal actions.”
The incident involving the unsolicited political messages has raised concerns about election interference and data security as Chile heads toward a pivotal presidential vote. Jara’s comments underscore the challenges facing the next administration, including the need for effective governance and a collaborative relationship with the opposition.
