Las elecciones presidenciales y parlamentarias en Chile, Diciembre 2005 – Enero 2006

Resumen

This article analyzes the Chilean presidential and parliamentary elections held in December 2005 and January 2006, focusing on three main issues. First, we show how the presidential candidates emerged and the main characteristics of the presidential campaign. We argue that Concertación could retain the presidency after the campaign was politicized, leaving their original strategy behind. Second, we analyze the parliamentary results, showing the consolidation of UDI as the prime political party within Alianza and the consolidation of the PS-PPD-PRSD pact within the Concertación. Finally, we conclude with some notes on the potential effects of these results on the fourth Concertación’ government lead by Michelle Bachelet.