Centre-right candidate Sebastian Pinera has won the first round of Chiles presidential election Sunday, but without the majority needed to avoid a run-off, BBC online reports Monday.
The billionaire businessman has 44 per cent of votes, with the count almost complete, below the 50% required for victory. He will now face centre-left candidate Eduardo Frei in a second round in January.
A victory for Mr Pinera would put conservatives back in power in Chile after 20 years of centre-left rule. Mr Frei, 67, is seeking his second term as president after an absence of 10 years.
Mr Pinera, 60, owns a television channel, a stake in Chiles most successful football club and has millions of dollars in investments. He has campaigned on a tough law-and-order ticket.
