Montevideo, Uruguay: Yamandu Orsi, the candidate from the left-wing Broad Front coalition, is projected to win Uruguay’s presidential run-off, defeating Alvaro Delgado of the ruling National Party in a tight race, while Carolina Cosse has been elected as the Vice President.
Despite public opinion polls indicating a close contest leading up to the election, Orsi surged ahead as the results came in. His supporters celebrated in the streets of Montevideo, waving the Broad Front’s red, blue, and white flag.
Orsi’s victory marks the return of the Broad Front to power, after a five-year hiatus following the presidency of Luis Lacalle Pou, who led a right-wing coalition to victory in 2019.
Under Uruguay’s laws, a president cannot serve consecutive terms, so Lacalle Pou did not run again in 2024. Delgado, Lacalle Pou’s political appointee, stepped in as the National Party’s candidate but conceded defeat before the final results were declared.
In his concession speech, Delgado acknowledged Orsi’s likely win and urged his supporters to respect the election outcome, while asserting that his coalition would remain active in Uruguayan politics. Outgoing President Lacalle Pou also congratulated Orsi, offering support for a smooth transition.
Orsi, who was a history teacher and mayor of Canelones before running for president, campaigned on a platform of economic reforms, including salary increases for low-income workers and initiatives to combat child poverty.
Orsi also promised to tackle insecurity, a key concern for many voters, by expanding the police force and improving surveillance. Orsi’s victory is backed by strong support from former President Jose Mujica, a figure beloved by Uruguay’s left.
In the first round of voting, Orsi secured 44% of the vote, while Delgado had 27%, leading to the run-off. Despite a tight race, Orsi ultimately triumphed, with his supporters celebrating the return of a government focused on ‘freedom, equality, and fraternity.’
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