Updated February 24, 2026
In a landmark election, far-right politician Jose Antonio Kast has been elected Chile’s 38th president, defeating centre-left candidate Jeannette Jara in a decisive run-off. With nearly all votes tallied, Kast secured 58 percent, marking the first time since Chile’s return to democracy in 1990 that a candidate from the far right will assume the presidency.
Kast’s victory reflects broader regional trends in Latin America, where conservative and right-leaning leaders have recently gained ground in countries such as Argentina and Ecuador. Jara, representing the governing Unity for Chile coalition, conceded shortly after polls closed, emphasizing her commitment to continue political work despite the loss.
“This is not a personal achievement, nor is it a party achievement,” Kast said in his victory speech. “Chile won here, with the hope of no longer living in fear, of a Chile that works.”
Campaign Background and Political Context
The 59-year-old Kast, leader of the Republican Party, had previously run unsuccessfully for the presidency in 2017 and 2021, losing the latter to outgoing President Gabriel Boric by a nearly 10-point margin. Boric, a former student leader, concluded his term with approval ratings around 30 percent and was constitutionally barred from seeking re-election.
Public concerns over rising crime, migration, and a slowing economy contributed to Kast’s appeal. His platform, called the “Implacable Plan,” emphasizes stricter law enforcement, longer mandatory minimum sentences, increased incarceration in maximum-security facilities, and isolation of cartel leaders. Kast also advocates mass deportations of migrants, drawing comparisons to policies implemented in the United States under former President Donald Trump.
Socially, Kast maintains conservative stances informed by his Catholic beliefs, opposing abortion even in cases of rape. Critics have highlighted his defense of Chile’s former dictator Augusto Pinochet, who ruled from 1973 to 1990 following a military coup and whose regime was marked by widespread human rights abuses. Kast has sought to temper his image during the campaign, presenting a more moderate platform to broaden voter appeal.
Historical Significance
Observers note that Kast’s election represents a historic moment for Chile’s far-right politics. Lucia Newman, reporting from Santiago for Al Jazeera, described the outcome as the first time a government with strong conservative roots will govern since the military dictatorship ended. “It’s really not certain just how conservative it will be. Jose Antonio Kast was a supporter of former dictator General Augusto Pinochet. He has shirked away from that in recent years, and certainly in this campaign,” Newman said.
The election also highlights the dynamics of Chile’s current political landscape. Kast came second in the first-round vote on November 16 with 23.9 percent, while Jara led with 26.8 percent. The fragmented right in the initial vote consolidated around Kast in the run-off, helping him secure a decisive victory.
Regional Reaction and International Implications
Kast’s win drew swift congratulations from conservative leaders across the Americas. Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa praised the outcome as a milestone for Latin America’s right-wing movements. In the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the results, highlighting potential cooperation on trade and regional security.
Domestically, Kast faces a divided National Congress, which may limit the implementation of some of his proposed measures. Chilean authorities reported that approximately 15.7 million citizens were eligible to vote, with this election marking the first compulsory voting since 2012. Kast is scheduled to take office on March 11.
Source: Aljazeera – Far-right candidate Jose Antonio Kast wins Chile’s presidential election
