Chile Mandatory Vote Aids Conservative, But Risks Creating Upset

Chile's congress has decided to make voting mandatory in the upcoming presidential election, with a fine imposed on those who fail to participate. This move is seen as beneficial for the ultra-conservative candidate, Jose Antonio Kast, as it is expected to increase voter turnout, potentially favoring his candidacy. However, the decision to implement mandatory voting also carries the risk of creating an unexpected upset in the election. By forcing all eligible citizens to cast their ballots, the election results may not accurately reflect the true preferences of the electorate, as some voters may feel compelled to participate rather than make a conscious choice. The article highlights the potential trade-offs between ensuring high voter turnout and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. While mandatory voting may aid the conservative candidate, it also raises concerns about the democratic nature of the election and the potential for unintended consequences.