Enigmatic economist outperformed in Chile ballot. His votes could decide runoff

FILE PHOTO: Chilean presidential independent candidate Franco Parisi takes part in a live radio debate in Santiago, October 25, 2013. REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado/File Photo

SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Chile is set for a divisive presidential run-off next month between a 35-year-old leftist former protest leader and an ultraconservative who has promised to crack down on crime.

But perhaps the most important question, pollsters say, is what will happen to the 900,000 votes that went to a 54-year-old NASCAR enthusiast who lives in Alabama.