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In a decisive runoff election, ultra-conservative figure José Antonio Kast has clinched the top job in Chile.

A Clear-Cut Triumph

With over 99% of polling stations reporting, Kast secured 58.17% of the votes, defeating leftist former minister Jeannette Jara, who received 41.83%.

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

Campaign Focused On Law and Order and Immigration

Known for his staunch socially conservative views and admiration for the rule of dictator Augusto Pinochet, Kast's electoral bid was primarily focused on promises to address growing insecurity and drastically restrict migration.

He frequently pointed to migrants, especially the roughly 330,000 unauthorized individuals in Chile, for crime rates. Throughout the campaign, he issued an ultimatum for them to leave before the inauguration or face deportation.

His policy ideas included controversial measures such as constructing holding facilities, high walls, perimeter fencing, and strengthening the armed forces presence on the northernmost frontier.

Within a Regional Wave

Several analysts interpret Kast's victory as part of a broader right-wing wave in South America, following this year's political results in countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, and Argentina.

Yet, other pundits further view it as a extension of the regular alternation of power between left-wing and right-wing administrations since Chile's return to democracy in 1990.

Leading Lacking a Strong Majority

In spite of his clear electoral win, Kast is not expected to have an overall majority in parliament, neither in the lower house or the Senate, even if all conservative parties are counted together.

This legislative situation might challenge his plans, including a pledge to reduce public spending by a significant sum within a year and a half—a proposal for which he has not offered concrete steps.

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

The analyst added, "In terms of economic policy, it is very likely we will see austerity policies common for the right. But where there is far less uncertainty is on law and order, because that has been his flagship issue throughout the campaign."