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After a definitive runoff election, hardline figure José Antonio Kast has clinched the presidency in Chile.

A Resounding Win

With over 99% of votes tallied, Kast won 58.17% of the vote, defeating leftist candidate Jeannette Jara, who earned 41.83%.

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

Platform Built On Security and Migration

Noted for his unwavering Catholic views and admiration for the rule of dictator Augusto Pinochet, Kast's campaign was primarily built on promises to address rising crime and drastically curb immigration.

He frequently blamed foreigners, notably the approximately 330,000 undocumented individuals in Chile, for security issues. Throughout the race, he issued an stern warning for them to exit before the new term begins or face removal.

His policy ideas envisioned Trump-inspired measures such as building camps, border walls, electric fences, and strengthening the army presence on the northernmost border.

Amid a Continental Trend

Several analysts see Kast's win as fitting into a broader rightward wave in Latin America, similar to recent political wins in countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, and Argentina.

However, other experts further describe it as a extension of the predictable rotation of power between left-wing and right-wing leadership since Chile's establishment of democracy in 1990.

Governing Without a Strong Mandate

In spite of his clear popular vote victory, Kast does not command an absolute majority in the legislature, neither in the Chamber of Deputies or the Senate, even if all conservative parties are counted together.

This political landscape may hinder his agenda, such as a pledge to reduce public spending by billions within 18 months—a proposal for which he has not offered concrete steps.

"There are numerous things about how a Kast administration will look like that are uncertain because he has not detailed his methods for achieve them," noted a political analyst.

The professor added, "In terms of fiscal matters, it is almost certain we will see spending cuts typical of the right. However the area with much less uncertainty is on security policy, because that has been his workhorse during the campaign."