Chile homicides drop 8% in H1 2026 as Kast pushes security reform

Official data shows 472 homicides in Chile in H1 2026, down 41 from the same period last year, a decline cited by presidential candidate Kast to bolster his security reform agenda. The figures are preliminary and the reform's legislative prospects remain uncertain. The drop, if sustained, could strengthen Kast's political position ahead of elections.