Chile's Big Political Shift: What's Next?

Chile is on the brink of a major political change. Jose Antonio Kast, a far-right candidate, is likely to win the presidential run-off. This win would make him the most conservative leader since the military rule ended in 1990. Kast's campaign focuses on security and immigration. He wants to use the military in high-crime areas and build border walls. He also plans to create a special police force to deport migrants. These ideas have gained traction as crime and migration concerns grow. Kast's party, the Republicans, gained influence in Congress. However, Congress is divided. To pass reforms, Kast will need to work with moderate legislators. This could force him to soften his hardline stance. The outgoing president, Gabriel Boric, faced similar challenges. His left-wing policies clashed with a divided Congress. His attempt to rewrite the constitution was rejected by voters. This shows the difficulty of pushing through major changes. Investors expect a shift to the right. This has boosted the market, hoping for more business-friendly policies. However, voters expect quick results. If Kast doesn't deliver on his promises, he could face backlash. In the first round, Kast and his opponent, Jeannette Jara, each got about a quarter of the vote. The rest went to other right-wing candidates. Most of these voters are expected to support Kast in the run-off. Analysts believe Kast will win, but the margin is uncertain. His victory speech will be crucial. It could signal unity or deepen divisions. The coming weeks will be telling for Chile's political future.