Santiago, Chile – In a closely watched election, far-right candidate José Antonio Kast has secured victory in Chile’s presidential race. The results, announced by the electoral authorities after a significant portion of the votes were tallied, saw his opponent, Janet Jara, concede defeat.
With over 70% of the ballots counted in Sunday’s runoff election, Kast established a clear lead. The election marks a significant shift in Chilean politics, with Kast representing the most right-wing leader since the end of Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship 35 years ago.
Kast, a conservative Catholic, campaigned on a platform centered on combating crime and restoring order. A key promise during his campaign was the deportation of approximately 340,000 undocumented immigrants, a majority of whom are believed to be Venezuelan nationals. This stance resonated with a segment of the population concerned about immigration and its perceived impact on Chilean society.
Kast’s political views have drawn considerable scrutiny, particularly his open admiration for the Pinochet regime. He has stated publicly that he would have voted for Pinochet had the former dictator still been alive. This position has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the direction of Chilean democracy under his leadership.
The election outcome reflects a deeply divided nation grappling with social and economic challenges. Kast’s victory signals a potential shift in policy direction, particularly concerning immigration, law and order, and economic management. The implications of his presidency will be closely monitored both domestically and internationally.
