SANTIAGO, Chile — Chileans voted for a new president and parliament on Sunday in a contest expected to favor the hard right as candidates play on popular fears over organized crime and immigration.

It’s the first of what’s likely to be two rounds of presidential elections in the South American country, as polls show none of the candidates clearing the 50 percent threshold needed to avoid a runoff scheduled for Dec. 14.

This also marks Chile’s first presidential election since voting became mandatory and the registration of voters automatic, adding an element of unpredictability to the race and millions more apathetic voters — given past elections marked by abysmal turnout rates.

Over 15.7 million people are now obliged to vote, and those who fail to do so face fines up to $100.

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