The initial results from Bolivia’s closely watched presidential election on Monday underscored a broader trend unfolding across Latin America: a sharp shift away from the socialist left that once dominated the region, toward right-of-center leaders — often with strikingly unconventional styles — who are driving major political change.

After 20 years of socialism under Presidents Evo Morales and Luis Arce, both affiliated with the Movement for Socialism (MAS) Party, voters gave the top two spots in the initial balloting to center-right Sen. Rodrigo Paz (32%) and stalwart conservative former President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga (28%).

Bolivians are expected to choose between the two in a runoff election on Oct. 19.

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