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In a decisive second-round vote, far-right candidate José Antonio Kast has secured the top job in Chile.

A Clear-Cut Win

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

This marks Kast's third bid for the presidency, having in the past been beaten by the sitting president, Gabriel Boric, in the 2021 runoff.

Platform Centered On Law and Order and Migration

Recognized for his staunch Catholic views and regard for the era of dictator Augusto Pinochet, Kast's electoral bid was primarily centered on promises to combat increasing insecurity and radically reduce immigration.

He frequently blamed migrants, notably the around 330,000 undocumented individuals in Chile, for security issues. Throughout the election cycle, he gave an ultimatum for them to depart before the new term begins or face removal.

His plans featured controversial measures such as erecting detention centers, high walls, security fences, and bolstering the military presence on the northernmost frontier.

Part of a Continental Trend

Many observers view Kast's win as part of a broader right-wing shift in the region, similar to recent electoral wins in nations like Ecuador, Bolivia, and Argentina.

Nevertheless, other experts further view it as a extension of the predictable rotation of power between left and right governments since Chile's return to democracy in 1990.

Ruling Lacking a Clear Majority

In spite of his clear popular vote triumph, Kast will not have an clear majority in Congress, not in the Chamber of Deputies nor the Senate, even when all right-leaning parties are counted together.

This political reality could challenge his plans, including a vow to cut public spending by a significant sum within a year and a half—a proposal for which he has not detailed a clear explanation.

"We have several aspects about what a Kast administration will be that are uncertain because he has not detailed the way he will do them," said a political professor.

The expert added, "In terms of fiscal matters, it is very likely we will see adjustment measures associated with the right-wing. However where there is far less ambiguity is on law and order, because that has been his central theme throughout the campaign."