Chile

Although independent Alejandro Guillier is gaining ground, former President Sebastian Pinera seems likely to return

A wave of fires is set to undermine growth prospects and the government's chances of retaining power

The elections will likely delay immigration reform, but calls for immigration controls and crime claims will proliferate

The eventual winner of the October 2017 presidential elections is likely to have only a weak mandate at best

The water reform is generally agreed to be overdue, but there is far less agreement on its substance

Domestic difficulties and US-driven uncertainties will continue to dampen growth

A sluggish economy and political gridlock will mark the coming year, with the ruling coalition likely to lose power

Sunday's local election results were a rebuff to both key coalitions, but a blow to the government in particular