🔗 Share this article Far-Right Former Legislator José Antonio Kast Voted In as Chile Incoming Leader. After a definitive second-round vote, ultra-conservative candidate José Antonio Kast has clinched the presidency in Chile. A Clear-Cut Triumph After over 99% of ballots counted, Kast secured 58.17% of the vote, defeating leftist contender Jeannette Jara, who received 41.83%. This marks Kast's third presidency, having in the past been beaten by the sitting president, Gabriel Boric, in the 2021 second round. Campaign Built On Security and Immigration Known for his staunch Catholic views and praise for the era of dictator Augusto Pinochet, Kast's campaign was largely built on promises to combat rising violence and radically curb migration. He repeatedly blamed foreigners, especially the around 330,000 illegal individuals in Chile, for security issues. Throughout the race, he issued an ultimatum for them to exit before the new term begins or face removal. His proposals featured controversial measures such as building detention centers, border walls, electric fences, and strengthening the military presence on the northern border. Amid a Regional Trend Many observers interpret Kast's victory as part of a larger right-wing wave in South America, similar to recent political wins in countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, and Argentina. Nevertheless, other experts further frame it as a extension of the predictable rotation of power between left and right administrations since Chile's establishment of democracy in 1990. Governing Without a Solid Mandate Despite his sweeping electoral win, Kast is not expected to hold an overall majority in Congress, not in the lower house or the Senate, even when all conservative parties are counted together. This legislative reality could hinder his plans, such as a promise to reduce public spending by a significant sum within a year and a half—a proposal for which he has yet to provided specifics. "There are numerous things about what a Kast presidency will be that remain unclear because he has not detailed how he will do them," noted a political science expert. The analyst added, "Regarding fiscal matters, it is almost certain we will see adjustment measures common for the right. But where there is far less uncertainty is on law and order, because that has been his workhorse throughout the campaign."