Political history has been re-made in Chile.
The country's first conservative president in around half a century was elected on Sunday.

Billionaire airline magnate Sebastian Pinera is Chile's new president, winning more than half of the votes and beating Eduardo Frei.

[Sebastian Pinera, Chilean President]:

"To have a good country, we need not only a good government, but we also need a good opposition, and I'm sure, because I know him and have known him for many years, we are going to have an opposition that is loyal, that is going to be constructive, that will be be rigorous when they need to be, but will have a constructive spirit. That's how we are going to build a country for everyone."

His rule will end a two decade long center-left government showing a shift to the right in the copper-producing nation.

Congratulating his victory was outgoing president Michelle Bachelet.

[Michelle Bachelet, Outgoing Chilean President]:

"I am calling you early, because the polls already indicate a clear victory. I'd like to congratulate you, for your election, and to send my regards.''

Pinera supporters turned out in force on the streets of Santiago.

Voters said they lost faith with leftist rulers with many saying they should have made better use of the money made from copper production.

Harvard educated Pinera isn't expected to change the economic policy in one of Latin America's most stable economies.

He's aiming to boost economic growth and create millions of jobs.

But Pinera critics say he's relying too much on the private sector and could face opposition trying to push reforms through a divided Congress.