Fact Check: Only 9% voter turnout reveals dismal enthusiasm for Chile's political left!

Fact Check: "Only 9% voter turnout reveals dismal enthusiasm for Chile's political left!"

What We Know

The claim regarding a "9% voter turnout" in Chile's upcoming elections appears to stem from preliminary reports about the recent primary elections held on June 29, 2025. In these elections, the left-wing candidate Jeannette Jara, a member of the Communist Party, won decisively with over 60% of the vote against her moderate rival, Carolina Toha, who received 27.7% (Washington Post). However, the turnout for this primary election was reported to be significantly lower than expected, with only about 1.4 million voters participating out of approximately 15.4 million eligible voters, leading to a turnout of around 9% (Washington Post).

This low turnout is indicative of broader political trends in Chile, where recent polling has shown declining approval ratings for the leftist government led by President Gabriel Boric, who cannot seek re-election due to term limits (Wikipedia). The political landscape has shifted, with right-wing parties gaining momentum amid economic challenges and public safety concerns (Reuters).

Analysis

The assertion that "only 9% voter turnout reveals dismal enthusiasm for Chile's political left" is partially true but requires context. The 9% figure specifically refers to the turnout in the primary elections, which is distinct from the general elections scheduled for November 16, 2025. Primary elections typically see lower turnout compared to general elections, as they often attract a smaller, more politically engaged segment of the electorate (International IDEA).

While the low turnout in the primary does suggest a lack of enthusiasm among left-leaning voters, it is crucial to note that this does not necessarily predict the same level of engagement in the general elections. The compulsory voting system implemented in Chile may lead to higher participation rates in the upcoming general elections, as seen in previous elections where mandatory voting was enforced (Bloomberg).

Moreover, the political climate in Chile is complex, with the left facing significant challenges, including economic stagnation and rising crime rates, which have contributed to a shift in voter sentiment towards right-wing candidates (Reuters, Wikipedia). Thus, while the low turnout is concerning for the left, it does not solely reflect dismal enthusiasm but rather a multifaceted political situation.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True
The claim that "only 9% voter turnout reveals dismal enthusiasm for Chile's political left" is partially true in that the primary elections did indeed see a turnout of approximately 9%. However, this figure must be contextualized within the framework of primary elections versus general elections, as well as the broader political dynamics at play in Chile. The low turnout reflects challenges for the left but does not definitively indicate a lack of enthusiasm for the upcoming general elections.

Sources

1. 2025 Chilean general election - Wikipedia
2. Chilean communist scores surprise win in primary vote as ...
3. Chilean voters fall back to conservative safe zone, propelling markets
4. Left Wins Nationally, Right Takes Key Cities in Chilean Vote
5. Chile Communist Jara Scores Blowout Win in Primary
6. Analysis of the elections in Chile - International IDEA