DST News: Chile has elected conservative lawmaker Jose Antonio Kast as its new president, marking the country’s strongest shift to the right since the end of military rule in 1990.

Kast won about 58 percent of the vote in a runoff election against leftist candidate Jeannette Jara, who conceded defeat on Sunday. The campaign was dominated by public concern over rising crime and migration.

In a victory speech in Santiago, Kast promised what he called real change, stressing that security was essential to restoring peace, democracy, and freedom. He acknowledged that reform would take time and would not come easily.

Kast, a long time right wing figure, has advocated tougher border controls, a stronger military role in public security, and the deportation of undocumented migrants. His win follows recent electoral gains by conservative leaders elsewhere in Latin America.

Analysts say his presidency may face resistance from a divided Congress, which could limit the scope of his more ambitious policy proposals.

Source: Reuters