José Antonio Kast Elected Chile’s President After Runoff Victory

José Antonio Kast Elected Chile’s President After Runoff Victory
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Conservative politician José Antonio Kast has been elected as Chile’s next president after winning the second round of the presidential election, The Guardian reported. With more than 99 percent of votes counted, Kast secured about 58 percent of the vote, defeating leftist candidate Jeannette Jara, a former labor minister under outgoing President Gabriel Boric, who received around 42 percent. Kast’s victory follows his third bid for the presidency, after losing the 2021 runoff to Boric.

Kast campaigned on a platform focused on public security, tougher immigration controls, and a strong stance against organized crime, issues that analysts say resonated with voters concerned about rising violence. Migration featured prominently in his campaign, with proposals aimed at expelling undocumented migrants and strengthening border enforcement.

In his victory speech, Kast said his administration would act firmly against crime and insecurity, stressing the need to restore public order. Boric congratulated Kast on his win and invited him to begin the transition process at the presidential palace in Santiago.

International reactions were swift. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Kast, expressing confidence in cooperation on security and trade, while leaders from Argentina and Brazil also extended their congratulations. Despite the decisive result, Kast will not hold an absolute majority in Congress, meaning his government will need to negotiate with other parties to advance key policies, including proposed spending cuts and security reforms.