SANTIAGO – Chileans voted in presidential elections to choose a successor to Michelle Bachelet.
Eight candidates are standing, with conservative billionaire Sebastián Piñera seen as favourite to return to the post he held from 2010-14.
Socialist contender Alejandro Guillier, a former journalist, is regarded as the most realistic challenger to Mr. Piñera, the 67-year-old former president has been leading in recent opinion polls. However, analysts say he may fail to get 50% of the votes needed to avoid a run-off in December.
LIVE: Sebastián Piñera takes lead as results emerge in Chile Elections 2017
On Sunday, voters are also electing all 155 members of the lower house and half of the senate.
Voting underway in Arica, Chile.–Photo by Mohsin Abbas/The Santiago Times Voting underway in Arica, Chile.–Photo by Mohsin Abbas/The Santiago Times Voting underway in Arica, Chile.–Photo by Mohsin Abbas/The Santiago Times Voting underway in Arica, Chile.–Photo by Mohsin Abbas/The Santiago Times Carabineers stand guard in central Santiago on teh day of General Elections 2017.–Photo by Mohsin Abbas/The Santiago Times Staff A stage being prepared outside Alejandro Guillier’s headquarters in central Santiago amid tight security. Applauses and cheers with the results of the parliamentarian polls at the Beatriz Sanchez headquarters.–Tomas Croquevielle/The Santiago Times Staff Applauses and cheers with the results of the parliamentarian polls at the Beatriz Sanchez headquarters.–Tomas Croquevielle/The Santiago Times Staff Supporters of Alejandro Guillier celebrating at party headquarters in central Santiago.Photo by Isabel Cocker/The Santiago Times Staff Supporters of Alejandro Guillier celebrating at party headquarters in central Santiago.Photo by Isabel Cocker/The Santiago Times Staff Luis and Lisa, two Canadian-Chilean supporters of Alejandro Guillier, awaiting big news in central Santiago.–Mohsin Abbas/The Santiago Times Staff Claudia Sanhueza, program manager of Frente Amplio: “We are waiting to go to the second round”.–Photo by Tomas Croquevielle/The Santiago Times Staff Alejandro Guillier with his wife at party headquarters in central Santiago.–Isabel Cocker/The Santiago Times Staff Alejandro Guillier speaks to crowds at party headquarters in central Santiago.–Isabel Cocker/The Santiago Times Staff Alejandro Guillier interacts with his supporters at party headquarters in central Santiago.–Isabel Cocker/The Santiago Times Staff
