Chile’s recent elections marked a decisive turning point in the country’s political landscape.

In a landslide victory in the runoff, José Antonio Kast defeated left-wing candidate Jeannette Jara and was elected president, consolidating a rightward shift that is increasingly visible across the region.

With 99.86% of the ballots counted, official figures from Chile’s Electoral Service showed Kast winning 58.16% of the vote, compared with Jara’s 41.84%. The more than 16-point margin confirmed pre-election polls and represented one of the most decisive second-round victories since Chile’s return to democracy.

Speaking to supporters in Santiago, Kast framed his victory as a mandate for immediate change, placing public safety at the center of his agenda. “Today Chile has chosen to live without fear,” he said, stressing that security is the foundation of democracy, peace, and freedom.

Jara swiftly acknowledged the results, congratulating the president-elect and pledging respect for the democratic process.

While reaffirming her political convictions, she stated that she would support initiatives she believes benefit the country and oppose those she considers harmful to social progress.

Boric congratulating Kast and the assured victory

Outgoing president Gabriel Boric also contacted Kast to offer his congratulations and invited him to La Moneda Palace to begin an orderly transition. The gesture was widely seen as reinforcing institutional stability after a polarized campaign.

Siguiendo con la tradición republicana que nos enorgullece y honra, me he comunicado con el presidente electo, José Antonio Kast, para presentar mis felicitaciones por el triunfo obtenido, que lo convertirá en el próximo Presidente de la República de Chile y por lo tanto, de… pic.twitter.com/CxvsgXN0ja

— Gabriel Boric Font (@GabrielBoric) December 14, 2025

International reactions followed quickly. Right-leaning leaders across Latin America welcomed the result, while the United States expressed interest in strengthening cooperation with the incoming administration on security, migration, and trade.

Kast’s political journey has been marked by persistence. After losing presidential races in 2017 and 2021—when he was defeated by Boric—his third bid proved successful. Analysts point to public frustration over crime, economic stagnation, and government performance as key factors behind his breakthrough.

Following his inauguration on March 11, Kast will govern Chile from 2026 to 2030. His priorities include tougher security policies, stricter immigration controls, and fiscal austerity measures aimed at restoring economic stability.

With this election, Chile once again demonstrates its tradition of democratic alternation while joining a broader regional trend in which conservative forces are reshaping the political balance of power.