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In a decisive final ballot, far-right politician José Antonio Kast has clinched the presidency in Chile.

A Clear-Cut Victory

With more than 99% of ballots counted, Kast garnered 58.17% of the ballots, defeating leftist contender Jeannette Jara, who obtained 41.83%.

This represents Kast's third attempt at the presidency, having earlier been defeated by the current president, Gabriel Boric, in the 2021 runoff.

Campaign Centered On Law and Order and Immigration

Noted for his staunch socially conservative views and praise for the rule of dictator Augusto Pinochet, Kast's campaign was largely focused on promises to tackle increasing violence and drastically restrict immigration.

He consistently blamed migrants, notably the approximately 330,000 illegal individuals in Chile, for crime rates. Throughout the race, he issued an ultimatum for them to depart before the inauguration or face expulsion.

His policy ideas envisioned U.S.-style measures such as constructing detention centers, border walls, security fences, and bolstering the armed forces presence on the northern border.

Part of a Broader Trend

Several observers interpret Kast's win as fitting into a wider conservative wave in Latin America, following recent political wins in nations like Ecuador, Bolivia, and Argentina.

Yet, other analysts also view it as a extension of the established rotation of power between left-wing and right governments since Chile's return to democracy in 1990.

Leading Lacking a Solid Mandate

Despite his decisive popular vote victory, Kast is not expected to have an absolute majority in the legislature, not in the Chamber of Deputies or the Senate, even when all conservative parties are counted together.

This legislative landscape could hinder his policy goals, such as a pledge to slash public spending by a significant sum within 18 months—a measure for which he has yet to offered concrete steps.

"We have numerous things about how a Kast government will operate that are uncertain because he has not explained how he will implement them," noted a political science professor.

The analyst added, "In terms of fiscal matters, it is very likely we will see adjustment measures common for the right-wing. However where there is much less uncertainty is on public safety, because that has been his workhorse throughout the campaign."