SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, (Reuters) – Costa Ricans voted  yesterday in an election that could see Laura Chinchilla, a  protege of Nobel peace laureate President Oscar Arias, become  the nation’s first female leader.

Chinchilla, who would follow Arias’ policies in the stable  Central American nation, expanding free-trade accords and  courting foreign investment, led polls before the vote. But a  spurt by upstart conservative Otto Guevara could cut her lead  short of the 40 percent she needs to avoid a runoff.

Organizers reported a brisk turnout at polling stations,  which closed at 6 p.m. (0000 GMT). Preliminary results are due  to be released from 8 p.m.

Arias’ vice president before she stepped down to campaign,  Chinchilla was bolstered by Costa Rica’s relatively smooth  passage through the global economic crisis. Rivals pushing for  a change of leadership style saw a late surge in support,  however.