Former Labor Minister Jeannette Jara, a member of Chile's Communist Party, won more than 60% of the vote in Sunday's presidential primary for the ruling coalition, Unity for Chile.,

Chilean Communist Jeannette Jara, the country’s former labor minister, has won the primary election for left-wing parties with surprising ease, beating out a more moderate rival to clinch over 60% of the vote.

Jara’s anointment comes as polls show far-right candidate José Antonio Kast of the Republican party leading the race with a campaign focused on rising concern over organised crime and immigration.