Chile communist Jeannette Jara to lead beleaguered ruling coalition at election

Jeannette Jara, Chile’s former labor minister and a member of the Communist Party, won the left-wing primary with over 60% of the vote, defeating moderate rival Carolina Toha. Jara will be the government’s candidate in the November presidential election, facing strong center-right and far-right challengers amid declining popularity for the ruling coalition. Known for her work raising the minimum wage and cutting the workweek, Jara called for unity against the far right, The Guardian has reported. She faces an uphill battle in a polarized race marked by economic worries and rising crime.