In the runoff of the presidential election, far-right candidate José Antonio Kast prevailed by a wide margin over his rival, consolidating a victory that reshapes the country’s political map and marks the end of a cycle that began with Gabriel Boric’s arrival at La Moneda. Kast won 58,1% of the vote, compared with just 41,3% for the communist Jeanette Jara.
The result confirms a shift in the electorate toward more conservative positions, driven by a combination of social discontent, fear, and dissatisfaction with the outgoing administration’s performance.
Election day proceeded smoothly and with strong turnout—bearing in mind that voting was compulsory—and stood as a clear reflection of the polarization that defined the campaign. Kast capitalized on a climate of weariness over persistent problems and unfulfilled promises, while his message of order, security, and state control resonated with broad urban sectors and regions hit by violence and economic uncertainty.
Although Kast secured the backing of the other right-wing forces that ran in the first round, both libertarians and the traditional right, the scale of the victory was surprising not only because of the vote gap, but also because of how quickly doubts faded about the candidate’s ability to broaden his electoral base.
The outcome of the runoff sends a clear message from the ballot box: a majority of the country opted for a drastic change in political direction. After years of constitutional debates, social protests, and partial reforms, voters appeared to prioritize immediate certainty over long-term transformations. The promise of stability, fiscal discipline, and a tougher security policy prevailed over calls to deepen the social agenda launched in 2022.
This shift cannot be understood solely as ideological backing for the far right. It also reflects a protest vote against the Boric administration, perceived by many as unable to respond effectively to everyday urgencies. Kast’s victory draws both on committed supporters and on pragmatic backing from voters who, without fully sharing his worldview, chose an alternative that offered concrete and rapid responses.
Kast’s victory opens a stage full of uncertainties. In his victory speech, the president-elect called for unity and promised to govern for all Chileans, aware of the distrust his figure generates in broad sectors. However, his room for maneuver will depend on his ability to translate campaign promises into effective public policies without deepening social divisions.
On the institutional front, the new government will have to contend with a fragmented Congress and a demanding citizenry. Initial international reactions were cautious, while markets responded with moderate optimism amid expectations of greater economic discipline. In the streets, by contrast, celebrations mixed with expressions of concern from those who fear setbacks in rights and freedoms.
One of the decisive axes of the campaign was the growing sense of insecurity. The rise in violent crime, the prominence of organized crime, and the perception of a loss of control in some territories made the issue the main public concern. Kast built his message around a promise of a hard line, strengthening the security forces and offering unrestricted backing to Carabineros—a message that resonated in working-class neighborhoods and among the middle classes.
Irregular immigration was another central factor. In the north of the country, where migratory pressure is felt most intensely, discontent translated into strong support for proposals on border control and faster expulsions. The association between immigration and crime, though controversial, proved electorally effective and allowed Kast to present himself as the only candidate willing to confront the problem without ambiguity.
Added to these elements were the shortcomings and missteps of Gabriel Boric’s government. Flagship reforms that failed to advance, difficulties in forging majorities in Congress, and a management style perceived as erratic eroded initial confidence. The contrast between the expectations generated in 2022 and the concrete results of the outgoing administration ultimately tipped the balance in favor of a radically opposite option.