Presidential Election in Chile: Far-right candidate Caste wins after defeating leftists

Far-right candidate José Antonio Caste has been elected president in the second round of voting in the 38th presidential election in the South American country of Chile. He ousted the current center-left coalition government from power.

After the voting on Sunday (December 14), Caste was seen winning with 58 percent of the vote. He defeated former Labor Minister and Communist Party leader Janet Jara. Jara was the candidate of the ruling center-left coalition.

After the defeat, Jara and his coalition ‘Unity for Chile’ admitted it. In a message on social media, Jara wrote, ‘Democracy has clearly given its verdict. I have already spoken to the newly elected President Caste and wished him well for the well-being of Chile.’

On the other hand, in his victory speech, Caste referred to the election result as a “broad mandate” to implement his political program. "This is not a personal victory, nor a victory for any party," he told supporters. "Chile has won; a Chile that no longer wants to live in fear; a Chile that is effective."
The 59-year-old leader of the Republican Party was elected president for the third time. He had previously failed in two other elections.

The result is seen as another example of the recent rise of the far right in Latin America. Previously, right-wing leaders once considered political outsiders have come to power in countries such as Argentina and Ecuador.

Al Jazeera reports.