The candidate of Chile's left-wing governing coalition, communist Jeannette Jara, conceded defeat on Sunday after early presidential results showed a strong lead for ultra-conservative Jose Antonio Kast, as voters opted for change following years of rising fears over heightened crime and immigration.

According to preliminary results with 83 per cent of the vote counted, Kast won 58 per cent of the vote, with Jara, a former labour minister in President Gabriel Boric's left-wing government, getting 41 per cent, making it clear she was on course to lose to her right-wing rival.

On social media, Jara said she called Kast to congratulate him on his successful campaign.

"To those who supported us and were rallied by our candidacy, rest assured that we will continue working to advance a better

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