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In a decisive second-round vote, ultra-conservative politician José Antonio Kast has clinched the presidential office in Chile.

A Commanding Triumph

After more than 99% of ballots counted, Kast won 58.17% of the ballots, defeating leftist contender Jeannette Jara, who earned 41.83%.

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

Campaign Built On Law and Order and Migration

Known for his unwavering Catholic views and regard for the era of former leader Augusto Pinochet, Kast's platform was primarily centered on promises to combat increasing violence and drastically reduce migration.

He consistently cited immigrants, notably the approximately 330,000 illegal individuals in Chile, for crime rates. Throughout the campaign, he delivered an final demand for them to depart before the March 11 handover or face removal.

His proposals included Trump-inspired measures such as constructing camps, high walls, electric fences, and strengthening the military presence on the northern frontier.

Part of a Broader Shift

Several observers interpret Kast's success as aligning with a wider right-wing wave in the region, coming after this year's electoral wins in nations like Ecuador, Bolivia, and Argentina.

Yet, other analysts also view it as a continuation of the regular alternation of power between left-wing and right administrations since Chile's establishment of democracy in 1990.

Leading Without a Clear Majority

In spite of his sweeping electoral triumph, Kast is not expected to have an overall majority in parliament, not in the Chamber of Deputies or the Senate, even if all rightwing parties are combined together.

This legislative situation could complicate his plans, such as a vow to reduce public spending by a significant sum within a year and a half—a proposal for which he has not detailed concrete steps.

"There are several questions about what a Kast government will operate that remain unclear because he has not explained the way he will achieve them," commented a political science expert.

The professor stated, "In terms of the economy, it is highly probable we will see austerity policies associated with the right. But where there is much less uncertainty is on security policy, because that has been his central theme during the race."