Chile's incumbent President Gabriel Boric has congratulated both candidates on making it to a second round of elections on December 14.
Former minister and communist Jeannette Jara looks to be doing best with just under 27 percent of the vote.
"Don't let fear harden your hearts," says Jara.
Issues of crime and migration have been prominent in the election campaign, which appears to have benefited ultra-conservative José Antonio Kast in particular. The 59-year-old has promised, among other things, to build walls and fences along Chile's border to keep out migrants from poorer countries, such as Venezuela.
"We will rebuild our country," Kast said after the preliminary results, in which he received 24 percent of the vote, were presented.
Even though Jara, who ran for office on more police officers and reduced living costs, is expected to get the most votes in Sunday's election, Kast is already expected to win in the second round.
