Chile’s presidential race is headed to a sharply polarized runoff after nearly 70% of votes in Sunday’s first round went to right-wing candidates, a result that analysts say reflects a clear conservative turn in the country.

Former labor minister Jeannette Jara narrowly led with 27%, followed by ultraconservative lawyer José Antonio Kast with nearly 24%.

Gilberto Aranda, a political analyst at the University of Chile, said the ruling party received a lower percentage than expected, while the three right-wing parties running together surpassed 50%.

“It is highly likely that the candidate who came second will win in the runoff, which indicates a swing toward a hyper-conservative option,” he said.

Residents on Monday expressed concern about the runoff.

“You can see a big change coming, let's hope it's for the better" said Marta Avello.

AP video by Mauricio Cuevas and Alexandre Plaza