What's happened
Yamandu Orsi of the Broad Front has won Uruguay's presidential election, defeating conservative Alvaro Delgado. With 97% of votes counted, Orsi secured 49.77% to Delgado's 45.94%. This election marks a shift back to center-left governance after five years of conservative rule.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Yamandu Orsi's victory was celebrated by supporters in Montevideo, where he emphasized a commitment to freedom and equality. Alvaro Delgado conceded with grace, stating, 'With sadness, but without guilt, we can congratulate the winner.' The New York Times highlighted the high voter turnout of 89.4%, showcasing Uruguay's strong democratic engagement. Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post noted that Orsi's campaign was supported by former President Mujica, indicating a continuity of leftist ideals in governance. This election reflects a broader global trend of incumbent parties losing ground, as seen in various countries facing economic challenges.
How we got here
The election followed a period of conservative governance under President Luis Lacalle Pou, who ended 15 years of Broad Front rule in 2020. High living costs and crime were key issues for voters, leading to a desire for change.
More on these topics
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Luis Alberto Aparicio Alejandro Lacalle Pou is a Uruguayan politician and lawyer serving as President of Uruguay since 1 March 2020. A member of the National Party, he is among the country's youngest presidents.
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Uruguay, officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, is a country in the southeastern region of South America. It borders Argentina to its west and southwest and Brazil to its north and east, with the Río de la Plata to the south and the Atlantic Ocean
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The Broad Front is a centre-left political coalition of in Uruguay. It was the ruling party of Uruguay 2005 to 2020; José Mujica and Tabare Vazquez were the leaders.