President-elect dials down right-wing rhetoric

CHILE'S next president jettisoned his typical far-right anti-migrant rhetoric on Monday and vowed to lead a government of "national unity" despite a landslide election victory.

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Meeting the outgoing leftist President Gabriel Boric and rival party leaders, Jose Antonio Kast pledged to work for all Chileans when he takes office in March.

"We all share concerns about security, health, education and housing," the 59-year-old father of nine said.

On the campaign trail, Kast promised to deport more than 300 000 mostly Venezuelan migrants, to tackle crime and to secure the northern border.

But since winning against a leftist rival on Sunday, he has struck a more conciliatory tone.

"This is not one person's or one party's government. It will be broader to achieve consensus on fundamental issues," he said.

He won the backing of 58% of voters, in what could have been interpreted as a thumping mandate for radical change.