New Delhi, Nov. 17 -- Chile's government announced that Jeannette Jara, the communist candidate backed by the center-left coalition, and Jose Antonio Kast, a veteran politician from the hard right, will face off in a presidential runoff next month after neither secured a decisive victory in Sunday's polarised election.

With nearly 80% of the vote counted and results still trickling in, Chile's left-wing President Gabriel Boric recognised Jara and Kast as the front-runners headed to the second round of elections, scheduled for Dec. 14.

While congratulating the rivals, Boric stated, "I trust that dialogue, respect and love for Chile will prevail over any differences."

Supporters erupted in cheers at the campaign offices of both Jara and ...