Polling stations in Uruguay have concluded a presidential election that is anticipated to lead to a run-off next month. The election has shown resistance to the significant political changes occurring in the region, with forecasts indicating a likely contest between two prominent candidates: a leftist history teacher and a centre-right veterinarian.
The two candidates projected to advance are Yamandu Orsi, representing the centre-left Frente Amplio party, and Alvaro Delgado from the centre-right Partido Nacional. Orsi, a former history teacher and local mayor, has reportedly garnered approximately 43.2% of the vote. In contrast, Delgado has received around 28%. A third contender, Andres Ojeda, a lawyer with a media-savvy approach who has drawn comparisons to Argentina’s libertarian President Javier Milei, is in third place with about 15.5-16%.
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Pre-election analysis indicated that no single candidate was expected to secure more than 50% of the votes, which aligns with the emerging results. Alongside the presidential elections, Uruguayans also voted on two referendums: one proposing to lower the retirement age from 65 to 60 and another aimed at relaxing regulations on police conducting nighttime searches in private residences. Early exit polls suggest that voters largely rejected both referendums.
This election marks a departure from the stark right-left political divides seen in neighboring countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. Instead, the candidates’ policy positions in Uruguay have shown considerable overlap. Voter sentiment has been relatively favorable towards the current government, with President Luis Lacalle Pou of the Partido Nacional enjoying a 50% approval rating. However, the ruling conservative coalition faces challenges, particularly regarding its record on crime, even as the country has seen increases in employment and wages.
Crime, often associated with drug trafficking, has emerged as a critical concern for voters in Uruguay, which has one of the highest GDPs per capita in the region. President Lacalle Pou, who is barred from seeking a consecutive second term under the constitution, is witnessing this pivotal election unfold as his party’s influence wanes.
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Should Orsi emerge victorious, it would signify a leftward shift for Uruguay after five years of conservative governance. Orsi is often seen as a protégé of former president José “Pepe” Mujica, a former rebel leader who has remained active in the political landscape despite his frail health. Mujica, now 89 and battling cancer, made an appearance on the campaign trail, showcasing his enduring influence.
As the nation moves toward the November 24 run-off election, the political landscape in Uruguay remains dynamic, with the outcome poised to reflect the electorate’s stance on pressing issues such as crime, economic performance, and governance. The contrast in candidates and their platforms underscores a significant moment in Uruguay’s democratic process, shaping the future direction of the country as it navigates its political identity in a changing regional context.
