Yamandu Orsi Wins Presidential Election in Uruguay Amid High Voter Turnout

Yamandu Orsi of the Broad Front has won the Uruguayan presidential election, defeating incumbent National Party candidate Alvaro Delgado in a runoff. Orsi received about 49.77% of the votes, with high voter turnout of nearly 90%. Outgoing President Luis Lacalle Pou has promised a smooth transition, emphasizing cooperation going forward.

In a closely contested election, Yamandu Orsi of the Broad Front party emerged victorious in the recent presidential runoff in Uruguay. With approximately 49.77% of the votes, Orsi defeated Alvaro Delgado, the candidate from the ruling National Party, who received around 45.95%. The electoral turnout was notably high, with nearly 90% of registered voters participating, and Delgado acknowledged Orsi’s victory shortly after results began to come in, marking a significant political shift.

During his victory speech, Orsi proclaimed, “The country of liberty, equality and fraternity has triumphed once again,” and emphasized the need for unity, stating, “Let’s understand that there is another part of our country who have different feelings today. These people will also have to help build a better country. We need them too.” In response, Delgado expressed his congratulations to Orsi with dignity, emphasizing acceptance despite his disappointment.

Outgoing President Luis Lacalle Pou reached out to Orsi to extend his congratulations and pledged a smooth transition of power. He indicated his commitment to supporting the incoming administration and initiating the transition process at an appropriate time. The election campaign was heavily shaped by pressing issues such as economic stagnation, declining wages, and rising crime rates, which resonated with many voters seeking change.

The president of Uruguay is elected via a two-round system if no candidate achieves an outright majority in the first round. The Broad Front, representing the center-left, held power for 15 consecutive years until 2019, when the National Party, a center-right party, won the presidency. Since then, the National Party has focused on economic reforms and addressing public safety concerns. Orsi’s election suggests a shift back toward the policies and social agenda of the Broad Front, in light of ongoing economic dissatisfaction in the country.

Yamandu Orsi’s election as President of Uruguay represents a pivotal moment for the nation as it transitions back to center-left leadership after a period of center-right governance. The call for unity and cooperation in Orsi’s victory speech highlights the challenges ahead, as he aims to address the pressing issues of economic growth and security. The commitment from the outgoing president assures a collaborative transition, which is essential for continuity in governance during this change.

Original Source: www.dw.com