Early results show Bolivia’s presidential vote headed for a first-ever runoff between centrist and right-wing candidates.

Centrist Rodrigo Paz and right-wing Jorge Quiroga are headed for a run-off, ending 2 decades of leftist government.

Bolivians went to the polls on Sunday in an election that many analysts expected the governing leftist Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party to be out of power for the first time in 20 years.

A total of eight candidates competed for the presidency and legislative seats amid a severe economic crisis and a climate of social tension.

More than 7.9 million people were eligible to vote in the country of about 12.5 million, where voting is required by law.

According to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, headed by Oscar Hassenteufel, election day proceeded peacefully without significant incidents.

"Overall, it was a peaceful day; no events have been reported that could undermine that," he said.

After the polls closed, electoral officials began a preliminary count.