Chilean Interior Minister Carolina Tohá has resigned to run for president in the upcoming elections. Her entry represents a significant move for centre-left parties amidst low popularity for current administrations. Tohá’s late candidacy may hinder her success as polls indicate low support compared to opposition candidates. The first round of voting is set for November 16.
Carolina Tohá, the Interior Minister of Chile, has resigned from her position to pursue a presidential candidacy in the upcoming election. This decision marks her entry into a competitive field as a prominent figure from the centre-left political spectrum. She submitted her resignation to President Gabriel Boric on Tuesday, asserting that it is time for her generation to vie for the presidency.
In her remarks, Tohá expressed her readiness for this new political endeavor: “The time has come for me to undertake another political battle, which is to compete for the presidency.” She highlighted her extensive political experience, sharing that she has been part of both significant achievements and setbacks in her career.
Chile’s political landscape has been characterized by delays among centre-left parties in announcing their candidates, yielding an opportunity for opposition figures to lead early polls. President Boric is ineligible to seek a consecutive term due to local laws, and there is ongoing speculation about the former president, Michelle Bachelet, considering a potential candidacy for a third term.
Tohá’s resignation was followed by President Boric extending his best wishes for her to ensure continuity within the government’s political coalition. She will be succeeded by Álvaro Elizalde, Secretary General of the Presidency.
Despite her experience, Tohá’s late entry into the presidential race may have negative implications for her candidacy. A recent poll indicated her support at a mere 1.9%, a stark contrast to conservative frontrunner Evelyn Matthei at 24.3%, and hard-right candidates José Antonio Kast and Johannes Kaiser at 10.6% and 9.7%, respectively. Tohá is also trailing behind Michelle Bachelet, who commands a 15.9% approval rating despite her declaration against running for a third term.
Tohá has served in numerous significant roles including minister, government spokeswoman, congressional deputy, and mayor. Since joining the Boric administration in 2022, she has managed key issues such as crime and the response to a nationwide blackout. However, public perception of her effectiveness in addressing crime—amid rising homicide rates—remains a concern, with approximately 59% of the populace disapproving of her performance according to a Cadem poll.
The first round of voting for the presidential election is scheduled for November 16, with a potential runoff on December 14 if required.
Carolina Tohá’s resignation from her Ministerial role marks her strategic entry into the presidential race, representing the centre-left’s attempt to regain momentum. Despite her extensive political background, Tohá faces significant challenges in garnering popular support amidst a competitive landscape. With the first round of voting approaching, her political future remains uncertain as she navigates the demands of a presidential campaign.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
