Jose Antonio Kast Wins Chile’s 2025 Presidential Election

Far-right Republican Party candidate Jose Antonio Kast has won Chile’s presidential run-off election, defeating centre-left candidate Jeannette Jara with 58 percent of the vote. The election marks the return of a conservative government to Chile for the first time since the end of the Pinochet dictatorship in 1990.

Jara, representing the governing Unity for Chile coalition, conceded shortly after polls closed. She emphasised continued efforts for social and economic improvement despite the defeat.

Kast celebrated the victory as a “broad mandate” to implement his political agenda, promising a Chile “no longer living in fear, of a Chile that works.”

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A Hardline Platform Focused on Security and Social Policies

The 59-year-old Republican Party leader campaigned on a platform prioritising crime reduction, stricter immigration policies, and tougher sentencing for criminals. His “Implacable Plan” includes mass deportations, stiffer mandatory minimum sentences, and isolation of cartel leaders.

Kast’s socially conservative stance includes opposing abortion under all circumstances, reflecting his Catholic background.

While he has defended Chile’s former dictator Augusto Pinochet, Kast has moderated his rhetoric in recent years to appeal to a broader electorate. Critics have also highlighted his family history, including his father’s Nazi Party membership before immigrating to Chile.

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Historical Significance

Sunday’s election represents the first time since Chile’s return to democracy that a hard-right government will lead the country. Kast’s victory comes after multiple attempts at the presidency; he previously lost to outgoing President Gabriel Boric in 2021.

Kast’s win is part of a broader trend of conservative victories across Latin America in 2025, including right-wing leaders taking office in Argentina and Ecuador.

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Reactions Across Latin America

Right-wing leaders quickly congratulated Kast on social media:

• Marco Rubio highlighted opportunities for Chile-US collaboration on security and trade.
• Argentina’s Javier Milei called the election a “step for freedom in the region.”
• Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa described Kast’s victory as the start of a “new era” for Chile and Latin America.

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Election Context

The 2025 election was the first Chilean vote under compulsory voting rules since 2012, with approximately 15.7 million eligible voters. Kast initially came second in the first round, but consolidated support from right-leaning voters to secure a decisive run-off victory.

Despite the win, Kast faces a divided National Congress, which is expected to limit the implementation of some of his more hardline proposals. He is scheduled to be sworn in on March 11, 2026.