#chile-election

#chile-election

Far-right candidate Jose Antonio Kast of the Republican Party who claims to be inspired by US President Donald Trump has won Chile's presidential run-off election, marking a major shift in the Latin American nation's political landscape. Kast, who campaigned on a promise to expel undocumented migrants and crack down on crime, secured 58 percent of the votes against left-wing candidate Jeannette Jara, who won 42 percent, in one of the most polarised elections in recent memory.

Ahead of the vote, opinion polls showed Kast leading Jara by a wide margin, with some indicating a lead of more than 10 percentage points. For the first time in over a decade, voting has been made compulsory, with around 15.8 million people eligible to cast ballots. Initial results are expected in the early hours of Monday and the election winner will take office in March 2026.