Outsider Candidates Upend Chile Politics and Unnerve Investors
- List of candidates for July 18 presidential primaries is set
- Presidential race to coincide with writing of new constitution
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Chilean politics are in upheaval as a new generation of leaders challenges the parties that have led the country for 30 years. Primaries for November’s presidential election will indicate if that change could reach the very top of the state.
Six candidates registered for the July 18 primaries ahead of a midnight deadline last night. Right-wing contenders include a former minister turned critic of current President Sebastian Pinera, and a political heavyweight who’s already competed twice for the nation’s top job. On the left, aspirants include a Communist Party mayor, and a 35-year-old former student protest leader.