Key Election Results and Their Significance
The landslide victory of far-right candidate José Antonio Kast in Chile’s presidential elections confirms a rightward shift across Latin America, driven by demands for radical security measures and stricter control of irregular migration. This shift draws inspiration from leaders like Nayib Bukele of El Salvador and Donald Trump.
- José Antonio Kast: A 59-year-old ultraconservative, Kast won with a decisive 58% of the vote against his left-wing rival Jeannette Jara’s 42%. He will succeed the center-left president Gabriel Boric and be the most right-wing leader in Chile since the end of Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship in 1990.
- Honduras: The conservative candidate Nasry Asfura, backed by Trump, leads in the ongoing vote count. The incumbent left-wing president Xiomara Castro has accused the outgoing president of manipulating election results and U.S. interference.
- Bolivia: The country elected center-right president Rodrigo Paz in October, ending 20 years of socialist governments.
- Peru: Following the removal of President Dina Boluarte, conservative José Jerí took office with an anti-crime stance and a style reminiscent of El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele.
Contextualizing the Rise of Right-Wing Leaders
Prior to 2025, several countries in Latin America had witnessed the emergence of uninhibited right-wing governments, including Javier Milei in Argentina (late 2023), Daniel Noboa in Ecuador that same year, and Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil (2019-2022).
“Desencanto” with Traditional Politics
Guillaume Long, an analyst from the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) in Washington, noted that “the far-right has not won any presidential election this year” in Latin America. However, Kast’s victory signifies a broader dissatisfaction with traditional political groups in Chile and the region, according to Long, Michael Shifter from Diálogo Interamericano, and Carolina Urrego Sandoval from the Universidad de Los Andes.
The Bukele Effect
Bukele, known for his strict anti-gang policies in El Salvador, has become a “reference” for other countries. Despite criticism from human rights defenders, several regional politicians cite Bukele as an example due to his success in reducing homicide rates.
Geopolitical Implications
Kast’s victory may strengthen the return of U.S. interventionism in Latin America, particularly on diplomatic and security issues, according to Guillaume Long. However, cooperation prospects are limited regarding Trump’s primary interest: distancing Latin American countries from China, especially in investment and commercial relations.
Potential Alliances
Kast is unlikely to oppose the interests and desires of Chile’s leading elites, according to analysts. He will likely focus on domestic issues and align with like-minded groups in the Americas and Europe.
Upcoming Visits
Kast will meet with Argentina’s Javier Milei during his first foreign visit as the elected president, signaling potential alliances and shared ideological connections.
