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After a definitive final ballot, hardline politician José Antonio Kast has clinched the presidential office in Chile.

A Commanding Win

After more than 99% of polling stations reporting, Kast secured 58.17% of the votes, defeating leftist contender Jeannette Jara, who received 41.83%.

This signifies Kast's third attempt at the presidency, having previously been beaten by the sitting president, Gabriel Boric, in the 2021 second round.

Platform Built On Security and Migration

Recognized for his staunch socially conservative views and regard for the era of dictator Augusto Pinochet, Kast's platform was primarily built on promises to tackle rising crime and drastically curb immigration.

He frequently cited migrants, notably the approximately 330,000 undocumented individuals in Chile, for security issues. Throughout the campaign, he gave an ultimatum for them to leave before the inauguration or face deportation.

His proposals envisioned U.S.-style measures such as constructing detention centers, barriers, electric fences, and strengthening the army presence on the northernmost frontier.

Part of a Broader Shift

Several analysts interpret Kast's victory as fitting into a wider conservative wave in South America, similar to recent political results in nations like Ecuador, Bolivia, and Argentina.

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

Leading Lacking a Strong Majority

In spite of his clear electoral triumph, Kast is not expected to have an overall majority in parliament, neither in the lower house or the Senate, even if all rightwing parties are counted together.

This political situation may hinder his agenda, including a vow to reduce public spending by a significant sum within a year and a half—a measure for which he has not detailed concrete steps.

"There are numerous things about what a Kast administration will be that remain unclear because he has not explained his methods for do them," commented a political professor.

The analyst stated, "Regarding the economy, it is almost certain we will see spending cuts common for the right. But the area with far less uncertainty is on public safety, because that has been his central theme throughout the race."