Chile election: Indigenous communities fear heavy military rule if hardliner Kast wins
Dec 12, 2025 #ChileElection #JoseAntonioKast #AraucaniaCrisis
Chile’s leading presidential candidate, Jose Antonio Kast, says he will impose
Dec 12, 2025 #ChileElection #JoseAntonioKast #AraucaniaCrisis
Chile’s leading presidential candidate, Jose Antonio Kast, says he will impose a state of siege in the Araucania region to expel armed Indigenous groups he labels as terrorists.
The measure would give the military sweeping powers, including warrantless searches and arrests, and would suspend key civil rights.
Kast, an ultra-conservative contender, holds a strong poll lead over his left-wing rival ahead of Sunday’s election.
His proposal has intensified debate over security and Indigenous rights as the vote approaches, with concerns about escalating tensions in the region.
Al Jazeera’s Lucia Newman reports from Araucania region, Chile.
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