Hardline Ex- Congressman José Antonio Kast Chosen as Chile's New President.

In a decisive final ballot, hardline figure José Antonio Kast has clinched the presidency in Chile.

A Clear-Cut Victory

After over 99% of ballots counted, Kast secured 58.17% of the ballots, defeating leftist candidate Jeannette Jara, who received 41.83%.

This represents Kast's third presidency, having in the past been lost by the current president, Gabriel Boric, in the 2021 second round.

Agenda Focused On Security and Immigration

Noted for his unwavering socially conservative views and praise for the era of dictator Augusto Pinochet, Kast's campaign was largely centered on promises to tackle rising insecurity and significantly restrict migration.

He frequently pointed to immigrants, particularly the around 330,000 undocumented individuals in Chile, for security issues. During the campaign, he issued an stern warning for them to depart before the new term begins or face deportation.

His proposals envisioned U.S.-style measures such as erecting camps, border walls, electric fences, and bolstering the armed forces presence on the northernmost border.

Part of a Regional Wave

Numerous analysts view Kast's win as part of a wider right-wing trend in Latin America, similar to this year's political outcomes in countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, and Argentina.

Yet, other analysts further describe it as a continuation of the established swing of power between left and right-wing governments since Chile's return to democracy in 1990.

Governing Without a Solid Majority

Despite his sweeping popular vote win, Kast will not have an absolute majority in parliament, neither in the Chamber of Deputies nor the Senate, even when all rightwing parties are combined together.

This political reality might complicate his plans, including a vow to reduce public spending by billions within a year and a half—a proposal for which he has not provided concrete steps.

"There are several things about how a Kast government will look like that we don't know because he has not explained his methods for achieve them," commented a political science professor.

The professor added, "Regarding fiscal matters, it is almost certain we will see austerity policies common for the right-wing. But the area with far less doubt is on security policy, because that has been his workhorse throughout the race."