🔗 Share this article Ultra-Conservative Ex- Legislator J.A. Kast Chosen as Chile's Next Head of State. In a decisive runoff election, far-right candidate José Antonio Kast has secured the top job in Chile. A Resounding Triumph After more than 99% of polling stations reporting, Kast garnered 58.17% of the vote, beating leftist candidate Jeannette Jara, who received 41.83%. This signifies Kast's third presidency, having earlier been defeated by the current president, Gabriel Boric, in the 2021 final vote. Platform Built On Security and Migration Known for his staunch socially conservative views and praise for the period of dictator Augusto Pinochet, Kast's platform was primarily focused on promises to address increasing crime and radically restrict migration. He frequently blamed immigrants, notably the around 330,000 illegal individuals in Chile, for public safety problems. Throughout the race, he delivered an ultimatum for them to depart before the new term begins or face removal. His proposals included controversial measures such as building camps, high walls, electric fences, and increasing the army presence on the northern border. Amid a Regional Trend Numerous commentators interpret Kast's win as part of a wider conservative shift in South America, coming after recent electoral wins in nations like Ecuador, Bolivia, and Argentina. Yet, other analysts further describe it as a continuation of the predictable alternation of power between left-wing and right-wing administrations since Chile's establishment of democracy in 1990. Ruling Lacking a Clear Majority In spite of his decisive popular vote triumph, Kast does not hold an overall majority in parliament, not in the lower house or the Senate, even when all right-leaning parties are combined together. This political reality could hinder his plans, such as a vow to reduce public spending by billions within a year and a half—a measure for which he has yet to provided specifics. "There are numerous aspects about how a Kast government will be that remain unclear because he has not explained how he will implement them," noted a political professor. The professor continued, "On the economy, it is highly probable we will see adjustment measures associated with the right. But the area with much less doubt is on security policy, because that has been his workhorse throughout the race."