Chile Elects José Antonio Kast: A Shift Towards the Far Right and Its Implications

Chile has elected its next president following a tense runoff election on Sunday, with José Antonio Kast, a 59-year-old lawyer and leader of the far-right Republican Party, securing 58.1% of the votes. His opponent, the communist candidate Jeannette Jara, received only 41.3%, marking one of the worst outcomes for progressive factions since the return to democracy in 1990. Kast's victory signals a significant shift in Chilean politics, as he is the first leader to openly embrace the legacy of Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship (1973-1990) since the country transitioned back to democracy. He is poised to succeed Gabriel Boric, a prominent figure of the new left, at the age of 40. The conservative shift seen in Chile reflects broader regional trends in South America and poses questions about the future of the country's institutional frameworks. Following the election results, a conciliatory exchange took place between Kast and Boric. Boric, while congratulating Kast, remarked, "At some point, you too will come to know what the loneliness of power means," highlighting the weight of leadership responsibilities. Kast expressed gratitude for the invitation to an orderly transition, indicating the challenges that lie ahead. In her immediate response to the results, Jara recognized her defeat and emphasized the importance of democracy, stating, "Democracy has spoken loud and clear. I wish success to Kast for the good of Chile." This acknowledgment underlines a commitment to democratic values amid a contentious political landscape. Kast, who garnered support from various right-wing factions, campaigned on a platform promising order and security, primarily in response to rising crime rates and public fear over irregular migration. Crime and public safety have become focal points of Chilean concern, with homicide rates doubling over the past decade, placing social stability at the forefront of Kast’s agenda. The election marks a departure from the long-standing political dichotomy established during the 1988 referendum, as noted by analyst Cristian Soto Quiroz. He argues that today's Chilean identity cannot be confined to the simplistic Yes or No divisions that once defined the dictatorship's legacy. Instead, the outcome reflects a movement towards resolving contemporary challenges that emerged from the social uprising of October 2019. This election sets a new precedent as Kast, having served 16 years as a lawmaker, aligns himself more closely with the past regime by openly supporting Pinochet's policies. While previous right-wing leaders like Sebastián Piñera distanced themselves from this legacy, Kast has openly stated that he would have voted for Pinochet, complicating his political narrative. As Kast prepares to take on the presidency in March 2023, questions loom regarding how he will approach governance with a divided Congress. Although his Republican Party has gained some traction, particularly in the Chamber of Deputies, it lacks a guaranteed majority that could facilitate the radical changes he has promised. Political analysts speculate whether he will govern in a style akin to other far-right leaders in the region or if he will forge a unique path devoid of ideological coherence. In his campaign, Kast has promised sweeping measures aimed at tightening state responses to crime and migration issues, such as planning the construction of a megaprison in the Atacama Desert and initiating what he calls an 'emergency government.' While there is palpable public support for his tough-on-crime stance, it remains to be seen how he will balance these promises with the challenges of governing a politically fragmented nation. Stéphanie Alenda, an academic observing this shift, believes that the election results indicate a culmination of a political cycle rather than merely a trend toward far-right conservatism. She posits that Kast's rise can be attributed to public discontent with the traditional political landscape's inability to adequately address multi-faceted crises plaguing Chilean society. As the dust settles from the election, many Chileans face an uncertain future, characterized by dips in economic growth, high crime rates, and an influx of undocumented migrants, primarily from Venezuela. The public’s past resistance to insecurity—thriving in a society where such issues were once less prevalent—now finds itself on the precipice of a new political era. The upcoming four years under Kast's leadership will undoubtedly be scrutinized as Chile navigates through its complex socio-political landscape. The transition period and Kast's initial policies will be crucial in determining how effectively he can address the pressing issues that brought citizens to the polls. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2