Left-Wing Candidate Orsi Wins Uruguayan Presidency in Tight Runoff
Yamandu Orsi of the left-wing Broad Front coalition has won Uruguay’s presidential runoff election, defeating Alvaro Delgado of the ruling National Party, Al Jazeera reports.
While pre-election polls indicated a dead heat, Orsi pulled ahead swiftly after polls closed on Sunday, sparking celebrations in the capital city of Montevideo.
Supporters flooded the streets, waving the Broad Front’s red, blue, and white striped flag emblazoned with the initials “FA,” celebrating the coalition’s return to power.
“Joy will return for the majority,” the Broad Front posted on social media as Orsi’s victory became clear. “Cheers, people of Uruguay!
Orsi’s win marks a significant shift after five years of right-leaning rule under President Luis Lacalle Pou. The Broad Front held the presidency for 15 years prior, from 2005 to 2020, under presidents José Mujica and Tabaré Vázquez. Lacalle Pou, ineligible for reelection due to term limits, had backed Delgado, a former veterinarian and congressman who served in his government.
Delgado conceded the race even before official results were announced, urging supporters to “respect the sovereign decisions” of the electorate. Outgoing President Lacalle Pou also contacted Orsi to congratulate him on his victory.
Orsi, a former mayor of Canelones and history teacher, campaigned on a platform of economic improvement, focusing on salary increases for low-wage workers and expanding early childhood education and youth employment programs. He also pledged to address public concerns over insecurity, proposing increased policing and border security measures. These issues were paramount for voters, with a June Nomade survey showing “insecurity” as the top concern for 29% of respondents, significantly higher than unemployment at 15%.
Orsi’s campaign benefitted from the endorsement of former President Mujica, a popular figure on the Uruguayan left. In the first round of voting on October 27th, Orsi secured 44% of the vote, compared to Delgado’s 27%, necessitating a runoff. While the race tightened in the following weeks, with Delgado gaining support from voters who had previously backed conservative candidate Andrés Ojeda, Orsi ultimately prevailed.
