Chileans went to the polls Sunday for a run-off vote between Socialist former president Michelle Bachelet and conservative Evelyn Matthei, an unprecedented race for the top office between two female candidates. Pre-election surveys give Bachelet, who was president from 2006-2010, an overwhelming margin of support over Matthei, an economist and former labor minister. The prospect of a low turnout however cast a shadow over Sunday's polls, with soaring summer temperatures and Christmas shopping deterring voters from participating. "I didn't vote today because I already voted in the first round — why vote twice if it is obvious that (Bachelet) is going to win?" said 60-year-old Gustavo Huerta, out doing his Christmas shopping.

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