José Antonio Kast is set to lead Chile as its president for the next four years.
According to the third report from Chile's Electoral Service (SERVEL), with 57.44% of the votes counted, the founder of the Republican Party has secured 59.16% of the vote, significantly surpassing the communist candidate's 40.84%, assuring him an insurmountable lead.
Arturo Squella, elected senator and president of the Republican Party, confirmed that Jara had called Kast to congratulate him and acknowledge her defeat.
"Democracy has spoken loud and clear. I just reached out to President-elect José Antonio Kast to wish him success for the sake of Chile," Jara posted on X shortly after.
At 59 years old, Kast will take office at La Moneda in his third attempt, succeeding leftist Gabriel Boric.
His platform emphasizes stringent policies on migration and security under the banner of a "government of emergency." "Chile is functioning upside down: criminals roam free while honest citizens live locked away. The Implacable Plan is the strong response that millions of Chileans have been waiting for," he stated.
The new president also aims to implement a fiscal cut of $6 billion within the first 18 months of his administration.
Election Developments
On November 17, the official candidate Jeannette Jara and far-right leader Kast, founder of the Republican Party, were headed for a runoff after Jara led the initial election without the required majority to govern.
With 98.4% of the votes counted, Jara received 26.8% of the votes, while Kast garnered 23.9%, leaving a narrow margin in one of the most polarized contests in recent years.
The former Labor Minister under President Gabriel Boric claimed victory in central regions such as Coquimbo, Valparaíso, and Santiago's Metropolitan area. Meanwhile, Kast dominated the southern areas, including La Araucanía, Los Lagos, and Biobío.
In the north, populist economist Franco Parisi of the People's Party surprised many by capturing 19.6% of the vote, positioning himself as a key figure in the runoff election.
Key Insights on Chile's Presidential Election
What was the voter turnout in the Chilean presidential election?
The voter turnout details were not specified in the report, but with 57.44% of the votes counted during the initial reporting, it indicates significant public engagement.
What are José Antonio Kast's main policy proposals?
Kast focuses on strict migration and security measures, alongside a proposed $6 billion fiscal cut within the first 18 months of his presidency.
How did regions in Chile vote in the presidential election?
Jeannette Jara won in central regions like Coquimbo, Valparaíso, and Santiago, while José Antonio Kast dominated in southern regions such as La Araucanía, Los Lagos, and Biobío.