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In a decisive runoff election, ultra-conservative candidate José Antonio Kast has clinched the presidency in Chile.

A Resounding Win

With over 99% of ballots counted, Kast garnered 58.17% of the votes, defeating leftist former minister Jeannette Jara, who obtained 41.83%.

This represents Kast's third presidency, having previously been lost by the current president, Gabriel Boric, in the 2021 final vote.

Campaign Centered On Law and Order and Immigration

Recognized for his strong Catholic views and regard for the era of dictator Augusto Pinochet, Kast's electoral bid was largely built on promises to combat increasing insecurity and significantly curb migration.

He consistently blamed foreigners, particularly the around 330,000 unauthorized individuals in Chile, for public safety problems. During the race, he issued an final demand for them to exit before the new term begins or face expulsion.

His policy ideas envisioned controversial measures such as building detention centers, high walls, perimeter fencing, and increasing the military presence on the northern frontier.

Within a Regional Wave

Numerous analysts view Kast's win as part of a larger right-wing trend in the region, similar to this year's political results in nations like Ecuador, Bolivia, and Argentina.

However, other analysts additionally frame it as a part of the established alternation of power between left and right-wing administrations since Chile's transition to democracy in 1990.

Leading Without a Clear Majority

Despite his clear electoral triumph, Kast is not expected to hold an clear majority in the legislature, neither in the lower house or the Senate, even when all right-leaning parties are counted together.

This legislative situation might complicate his agenda, including a promise to slash public spending by $6 billion within 18 months—a proposal for which he has not provided concrete steps.

"We have many aspects about how a Kast administration will look like that we don't know because he has not explained the way he will do them," commented a political science professor.

The expert stated, "Regarding the economy, it is very likely we will see austerity policies typical of the right. But the area with considerably less uncertainty is on security policy, because that has been his flagship issue throughout the campaign."