Overview
- Chile’s electoral authority reported roughly 58–60% for Kast against 40–42% for Jeannette Jara, who conceded and congratulated him.
- Voter concern over rising crime and migration dominated the race, with compulsory voting broadening participation for the first time in years.
- Kast pledges mass deportations, border barriers, military deployments to high-crime areas, and an ICE-style force, and he plans emergency measures after taking office on March 11, 2026.
- Despite right-wing gains in November’s legislative vote, Congress remains divided and the Senate is evenly split, constraining his more radical proposals.
- The result reinforces a regional shift to law-and-order leaders, and investors anticipate market-friendly policies after signals of spending cuts and deregulation.