Chile elects Jose Antonio Kast as president after runoff victory
Kast secured 58.17% of the vote, while Jara, a former Labor Minister and member of the Communist Party, received 41.83%. Shortly after the initial results were announced, Jara acknowledged her defeat, stating, "democracy spoke loud and clear."
"I just spoke with President-elect Jose Antonio Kast to wish him success for the good of Chile," she wrote on social media. "To those who supported us and were inspired by our candidacy, rest assured that we will continue working to build a better life in our country. Together and standing strong, as we always have."
The outcome represents a major comeback for Kast, who finished second in the first-round vote on November 16. While Jara had narrowly led with 27% against Kast’s 24%, he successfully consolidated support from the eliminated right-wing candidates, whose combined votes far outnumbered the left’s total.
Jara’s campaign faced additional challenges due to the low approval ratings of the current administration led by President Gabriel Boric, a member of her governing coalition.
Kast, an ultraconservative lawyer and former legislator, ran on a tough-on-crime platform calling for an "iron fist" to restore public order. He is a devout Catholic who opposes abortion and same-sex marriage and has publicly admired former dictator Augusto Pinochet.
Security concerns played a decisive role in the election, surpassing other major issues such as the economy, healthcare, and education, according to reports. Despite Chile’s relative safety in the region, a recent uptick in organized crime, violent homicides, and high-profile kidnappings has created widespread public unease.
Kast capitalized on this sentiment by pledging aggressive measures, including deploying the military to areas with high crime rates, constructing a wall along the northern borders, and deporting all undocumented migrants. Over the past decade, Chile’s immigrant population has doubled, largely due to approximately 700,000 Venezuelans.
Observers note that Kast’s victory continues a broader trend of far-right political gains in Latin America, following similar electoral successes in Argentina and Ecuador. Voter participation also surged, marking the first time in over ten years that voting was mandatory.
The United States congratulated Kast on his win. "Under his leadership, we are confident Chile will advance shared priorities to include strengthening public security, ending illegal immigration, and revitalizing our commercial relationship," the State Department said. "The United States looks forward to working closely with his administration to deepen our partnership and promote shared prosperity in our hemisphere."
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