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After a definitive second-round vote, ultra-conservative figure José Antonio Kast has secured the presidential office in Chile.

A Clear-Cut Victory

After more than 99% of polling stations reporting, Kast secured 58.17% of the ballots, overcoming leftist contender Jeannette Jara, who earned 41.83%.

This signifies Kast's third bid for the presidency, having in the past been defeated by the sitting president, Gabriel Boric, in the 2021 second round.

Agenda Focused On Law and Order and Migration

Known for his unwavering Catholic views and regard for the era of former leader Augusto Pinochet, Kast's campaign was mostly built on promises to tackle rising crime and drastically restrict migration.

He consistently cited immigrants, especially the around 330,000 unauthorized individuals in Chile, for public safety problems. Throughout the campaign, he gave an ultimatum for them to leave before the new term begins or face expulsion.

His policy ideas envisioned Trump-inspired measures such as building holding facilities, high walls, security fences, and strengthening the military presence on the northernmost frontier.

Part of a Regional Shift

Several commentators interpret Kast's victory as fitting into a larger rightward wave in Latin America, following this year's electoral outcomes in countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, and Argentina.

Nevertheless, other pundits also describe it as a part of the established swing of power between left and right-wing governments since Chile's return to democracy in 1990.

Ruling Without a Solid Majority

In spite of his decisive electoral victory, Kast does not have an clear majority in the legislature, not in the Chamber of Deputies nor the Senate, even when various rightwing parties are combined together.

This legislative reality might challenge his agenda, such as a vow to reduce public spending by a significant sum within a year and a half—a measure for which he has not provided concrete steps.

"We have numerous things about what a Kast presidency will be that we don't know because he has not explained how he will achieve them," commented a political professor.

The expert added, "Regarding the economy, it is almost certain we will see adjustment measures typical of the right-wing. But where there is much less doubt is on security policy, because that has been his central theme across the race."