SAN JOSE — Economist Rodrigo Chaves has won the presidential election in Costa Rica, preliminary results suggest.

The 60-year-old ran on a promise of shaking up traditional party politics in the Central American nation.

With almost all votes counted, he had a lead of more than five percentage points over ex-President José María Figueres.

Turnout was the lowest in decades as voters expressed discontent with Costa Rica's struggling economy.

José María Figueres, who ran for a second term as president after having held the top job from 1994 to 1998, admitted defeat once his rival's lead had become too big to be overcome.

Many Costa Ricans said they were looking for a break with the politicians of the past, a trend which went against Mr Figueres, who comes from one of the country's most influential political families.

While Chaves is not entirely new to politics - he did serve in the outgoing government of President Carlos Alvarado as economy minister for six months - he has emphasised his plan to break with what he calls "privileges" of Costa Rica's established political parties.

Following an at times acrimonious campaign, Chaves struck a conciliatory note as his win became clear.

"Tonight, let's set aside the party colours that can easily divide us," he told his supporters. "I humbly ask you that we unite beneath the blue, white and red of our national flag."

Supporters of Chaves took to the streets of the capital, San José, to celebrate their candidate's win.

One of those celebrating told Reuters news agency that there was a "hunger for real change" in Costa Rica. "We need new faces to save the country," the man said. — BBC