🔗 Share this article Far-Right Ex- Congressman José Antonio Kast Voted In as Chile's Next Head of State. After a definitive second-round vote, hardline politician José Antonio Kast has secured the presidency in Chile. A Clear-Cut Victory With more than 99% of ballots counted, Kast garnered 58.17% of the ballots, overcoming leftist contender Jeannette Jara, who earned 41.83%. This represents Kast's third attempt at the presidency, having previously been defeated by the incumbent president, Gabriel Boric, in the 2021 final vote. Campaign Centered On Law and Order and Migration Recognized for his unwavering socially conservative views and admiration for the rule of former leader Augusto Pinochet, Kast's platform was primarily focused on promises to combat growing crime and significantly reduce immigration. He consistently pointed to foreigners, especially the roughly 330,000 unauthorized individuals in Chile, for crime rates. During the election cycle, he gave an ultimatum for them to depart before the new term begins or face expulsion. His policy ideas included U.S.-style measures such as constructing camps, border walls, security fences, and strengthening the military presence on the northern border. Part of a Regional Trend Numerous commentators view Kast's success as part of a broader conservative trend in Latin America, following recent electoral results in countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, and Argentina. Nevertheless, other experts further view it as a continuation of the regular rotation of power between left-wing and right-wing leadership since Chile's establishment of democracy in 1990. Leading Lacking a Solid Mandate In spite of his sweeping popular vote win, Kast will not command an clear majority in parliament, neither in the Chamber of Deputies or the Senate, even when all rightwing parties are combined together. This legislative reality may hinder his policy goals, including a pledge to cut public spending by billions within a year and a half—a proposal for which he has yet to offered concrete steps. "There are numerous aspects about what a Kast government will be that remain unclear because he has not detailed his methods for do them," said a political science expert. The analyst stated, "Regarding fiscal matters, it is very likely we will see adjustment measures common for the right-wing. However where there is much less doubt is on law and order, because that has been his central theme throughout the race."