Gerardo Espíndola

Espíndola was an early promoter of citizen journalism in Chile. In 2005, he co-founded El Morrocotudo, a participatory digital newspaper based in Arica, considered one of the first Spanish-language citizen media outlets in Latin America.^[3]

Following this experience, he participated in the creation of additional regional citizen media outlets across Chile, working as product and media manager for the Red Mi Voz network until 2015.^[4]

In 2011, he was invited by the United States Embassy to participate in the program On the Cutting Edge: Digital Reporting in the 21st Century, organized by the Institute of the Americas at the University of California, San Diego.^[5]

He has also worked as a consultant on recycling and waste-management projects in Chile and abroad, collaborating with international organizations including the Inter-American Development Bank.^[6]

Espíndola is a member of the Liberal Party. In April 2016, he launched his candidacy for mayor of Arica as part of the Alternativa Democrática electoral pact.^[7]

He was elected mayor in the 2016 municipal elections and assumed office on 6 December 2016.^[8] He was re-elected in the 2021 Chilean municipal elections, becoming the second mayor in Arica's history to obtain consecutive terms.

During his tenure, his administration promoted environmental policies, urban mobility initiatives, and local heritage preservation projects.^[9]

On 15 November 2024, Espíndola resigned from office in order to seek a seat in the 2025 general election.^[10]