The Partido de la Gente (PdG) adopted the null or blank vote as its official position for the December 14 presidential runoff, after an internal consultation where 78% of its militants chose that option. Neither José Antonio Kast nor Jeannette Jara convinced the majority of the party's base led by Franco Parisi. This decision reflects discontent with the candidates in the race and could influence a key electorate.
On Sunday, November 30, the Partido de la Gente (PdG) held an online consultation among its militants to define its stance in the presidential runoff between José Antonio Kast and Jeannette Jara, scheduled for December 14. The voting, open from 15:00 to 18:00 hours only to affiliates, offered three options: support Jara (PC), Kast, or the null or blank vote.
The results, verified by regional presidents until approximately 21:00 hours, were announced on Monday, December 1. 78% chose to nullify the vote, 20% for Kast, and only 2% for Jara. In a statement, the PdG explained: “De acuerdo con esta votación, y respetando plenamente la voz de nuestros militantes, el PdG adopta como posición oficial para la segunda vuelta la opción Nulo o Blanco. Este resultado refleja el descontento legítimo de nuestras bases con las alternativas que estarán en el próximo balotaje”.
The text adds: “El PdG sigue firme, trabajando con humildad y convicción, a pesar de haber sido excluidos de distintos espacios y ninguneados por las encuestas, volvimos a consolidarnos como la tercera fuerza política del país”.
Franco Parisi, the leader and former candidate who garnered nearly 20% in the first round with over 2.5 million votes, had anticipated that more than 75% of his voters would lean toward null, according to internal polls. The PdG has about 38,000 militants registered with the Servel as of October 31, but the impact could extend to its broader electorate.
Internally, there were tensions: elected deputy Javier Olivares expressed support for Kast, while legislator Pamela Jiles, appointed as the bench leader by Parisi, advocated for null and tweeted: “#VotoNuloYBlanco en segunda vuelta... Ni Kast ni Jara, vamos por Parisi 2030”. Jiles had warned she would make life “impossible” for Kast if he won.
This stance is significant, as Parisi's votes are contested by both campaigns and could be decisive. In 2021, Parisi's endorsement of Kast led to 70% of his electorate voting for Gabriel Boric, an experience shaping the party's current caution.