20 Nov 2017 | 11:44 AM UTC
Chile: Presidential run-off December 17 /update 1
Second round of presidential election to be held December 17 following inconclusive first round November 19; avoid any political rallies and protests
Event
The second round of presidential elections will be held on Sunday, December 17, following the inconclusive first round held on November 19. Conservative candidate (and former president) Sebastián Piñera of the Chile Vamos coalition came in first and will face off against runner-up Alejandro Guillier of the Socialist party. The first round of voting as well as the campaign period leading up to the vote was largely marked by apathy and low turnout (around 45 percent). As such, major political rallies or election-linked demonstrations are relatively unlikely. Smaller events, however, are to be anticipated, notably in the capital Santiago and in the city of Valparaíso.
Context
Generally speaking, protests in Chile have been known to involve clashes between protesters and security forces.
Advice
Individuals present in Chile are advised to avoid any demonstrations as well as polling stations on election day as a precaution and to keep abreast of the political climate.
