Uruguayans went to the polls on Sunday in a highly anticipated presidential election, with the leftist alliance led by former president José “Pepe” Mujica aiming to regain the country’s leadership after a five-year stint under right-wing rule, marked by concerns over crime and taxes.
Yamandú Orsi, a former history teacher representing the leftist Frente Amplio (Broad Front), faces off against Álvaro Delgado, a 55-year-old former veterinarian from the National Party.
Delgado is a member of the outgoing President Luis Lacalle Pou’s center-right Republican Coalition.
Orsi, 57, is considered a protégé of 89-year-old Mujica, the iconic former guerrilla leader who earned global recognition as “the world’s poorest president” during his presidency from 2010 to 2015, largely due to his humble lifestyle.
Orsi secured 43.9% of the vote in the first-round election held on October 27, falling short of the 50% needed to win outright, but surpassing Delgado, who garnered 26.7%.
The two candidates emerged at the top of a competitive field of 11 contenders vying to succeed Lacalle Pou, who, despite having a high approval rating, is constitutionally barred from seeking a second consecutive term.
The outcome of this election will determine the country’s next direction after a period of center-right leadership.
