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Following a conclusive second-round vote, ultra-conservative politician José Antonio Kast has clinched the top job in Chile.

A Resounding Win

With over 99% of votes tallied, Kast won 58.17% of the vote, overcoming leftist former minister Jeannette Jara, who obtained 41.83%.

This represents Kast's third attempt at the presidency, having earlier been beaten by the sitting president, Gabriel Boric, in the 2021 final vote.

Agenda Focused On Security and Migration

Recognized for his strong socially conservative views and admiration for the period of dictator Augusto Pinochet, Kast's electoral bid was largely centered on promises to combat increasing insecurity and radically restrict immigration.

He frequently blamed immigrants, notably the approximately 330,000 unauthorized individuals in Chile, for security issues. During the campaign, he issued an final demand for them to leave before the new term begins or face expulsion.

His proposals included controversial measures such as erecting camps, border walls, electric fences, and strengthening the army presence on the northern border.

Part of a Broader Wave

Numerous commentators see Kast's success as part of a wider conservative shift in South America, similar to this year's electoral results in countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, and Argentina.

However, other analysts also frame it as a extension of the established swing of power between left and right governments since Chile's transition to democracy in 1990.

Leading Lacking a Clear Mandate

In spite of his decisive electoral triumph, Kast is not expected to have an overall majority in the legislature, not in the Chamber of Deputies nor the Senate, even if various conservative parties are grouped together.

This legislative reality could complicate his plans, such as a vow to cut public spending by billions within 18 months—a measure for which he has not offered specifics.

"There are many aspects about what a Kast administration will look like that we don't know because he has not explained the way he will implement them," noted a political science professor.

The professor added, "On economic policy, it is highly probable we will see austerity policies associated with the right. But where there is much less ambiguity is on public safety, because that has been his workhorse across the campaign."