Frente Amplio will struggle to reach run-off in Chile

Significance

On July 2, the Frente Amplio (FA), a new left-wing alliance, held a primary election to select its presidential candidate. Building on FA’s participation in last year’s municipal elections, the primary represented a significant step in its bid to become Chile’s third political force but also showed that its support remains confined to a small segment of the population.

Impacts

• How far FA swings to the left in its programme will be key to its ability to attract more centrist voters, its only real room for growth.
• Sanchez is proving less well known than her television and radio career would have suggested.
• The centre-right coalition’s primary confirms Pinera’s strong footing to become Chile’s next president.