🔗 Share this article Ultra-Conservative Former Legislator J.A. Kast Voted In as Chile Incoming President. Following a conclusive second-round vote, hardline candidate José Antonio Kast has secured the top job in Chile. A Resounding Win After over 99% of votes tallied, Kast secured 58.17% of the vote, overcoming leftist contender Jeannette Jara, who obtained 41.83%. This represents Kast's third attempt at the presidency, having in the past been lost by the sitting president, Gabriel Boric, in the 2021 final vote. Campaign Focused On Law and Order and Immigration Known for his staunch Catholic views and admiration for the rule of former leader Augusto Pinochet, Kast's electoral bid was primarily focused on promises to address growing crime and radically reduce migration. He repeatedly cited immigrants, notably the roughly 330,000 illegal individuals in Chile, for public safety problems. During the race, he gave an stern warning for them to exit before the March 11 handover or face removal. His policy ideas envisioned Trump-inspired measures such as building camps, border walls, electric fences, and increasing the armed forces presence on the northernmost border. Part of a Continental Trend Several commentators interpret Kast's win as part of a wider right-wing wave in Latin America, similar to recent political results in nations like Ecuador, Bolivia, and Argentina. However, other analysts additionally frame it as a extension of the regular rotation of power between left-wing and right governments since Chile's transition to democracy in 1990. Ruling Lacking a Solid Majority Despite his sweeping popular vote triumph, Kast does not hold an absolute majority in parliament, neither in the lower house or the Senate, even if various right-leaning parties are combined together. This legislative situation could hinder his agenda, including a vow to slash public spending by a significant sum within 18 months—a proposal for which he has not provided specifics. "We have many things about how a Kast presidency will be that are uncertain because he has not explained the way he will implement them," noted a political science professor. The professor added, "On fiscal matters, it is highly probable we will see spending cuts associated with the right-wing. However where there is considerably less ambiguity is on law and order, because that has been his workhorse during the race."