Yamandu Orsi, the leftist candidate from the Frente Amplio alliance, is projected to win Uruguay’s presidential election, defeating Alvaro Delgado of the National Party amid concerns of ongoing insecurity. Supported by former president Jose Mujica, Orsi’s potential win represents a shift back to left-wing policies after five years of conservative rule.
On Sunday, Uruguayans cast their votes in a closely contested presidential election, with former history teacher and leftist candidate Yamandu Orsi emerging as a frontrunner. Representing the Frente Amplio (Broad Front) alliance, Orsi appears poised to upend the five-year center-right rule led by the National Party’s Alvaro Delgado, who is part of the ruling Republican Coalition. As polling concluded, Orsi garnered approximately 49 percent of the vote, while Delgado received about 46.6 percent according to various polls.
Orsi’s campaign benefited from the backing of Jose “Pepe” Mujica, a revered former president noted for his unassuming lifestyle and strong support among leftist voters. Mujica, who is presently battling cancer, expressed his concern for the younger generation: “Personally, I have nothing more to look forward to. My closest future is the cemetery, for reasons of age. But I am interested in the fate of you, the young people who, when they are my age, will live in a very different world.”
Despite the support for Orsi, Delgado’s campaign received endorsements from other parties within the Republican Coalition, heightening his voter appeal. Polls indicated that issues of insecurity and public safety remained paramount concerns among voters. As Juan Antonio Stivan, a retiree, voiced, he hoped for a government that ensures “safety — to be able to go out in the street with peace of mind.”
Voting is mandatory in Uruguay, a stable democracy known for its higher income levels and lower poverty rates. The outcome of this election could significantly influence the nation’s direction, rekindling the legacy of leftist governance that had previously legalized important social reforms such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and recreational cannabis use.
The political landscape in Uruguay has seen notable shifts, particularly with the rise of left-wing parties. The Frente Amplio coalition broke through a long-standing conservative dominance in 2005 and governed for three terms until its defeat in 2020, as rising crime and tax issues became critical voter concerns. Yamandu Orsi’s potential victory indicates a possible return to leftist policies amidst ongoing concerns regarding public safety, demonstrating the electorate’s desire for change after years of center-right governance under President Luis Lacalle Pou.
Yamandu Orsi’s projected victory in the Uruguayan presidential election marks a significant political shift away from the center-right policies that have dominated the past five years. With a strong endorsement from former President Jose Mujica, Orsi has resonated with voters concerned about insecurity and social issues. This election illustrates the electorate’s yearning for progressive change, alongside a reaffirmation of their democratic rights through mandatory voting in a country recognized for its stable governance and social reforms.
Original Source: www.france24.com
