Sun Nov 24 15:37:28 UTC 2024: ## Tight Race in Uruguay’s Presidential Runoff
**Montevideo, Uruguay –** Uruguay held a closely contested presidential runoff election on Sunday, November 24th, with moderate candidates from opposing coalitions vying for the top spot. Yamandú Orsi, representing the center-left Frente Amplio party, faced off against Alvaro Delgado, the conservative candidate backed by the ruling National Party and the Colorado Party.
The election, which concludes a year of significant global elections, saw a relatively low-key campaign compared to other recent South American elections. While high living costs, inequality, and crime were key concerns for voters, easing inflation and rising employment may have influenced the outcome.
Pre-election polls predicted a razor-thin margin, with the potential for a difference of fewer than 25,000 votes between the two candidates. Orsi, who secured 43.9% in the first round, campaigned on a modern left-leaning platform, while Delgado, with 26.8% in the first round, emphasized the economic successes of the current administration under President Luis Lacalle Pou, who is constitutionally barred from seeking re-election.
Both candidates attempted to win over the approximately 8% of voters who supported smaller parties in the first round, as well as those who did not vote in October. However, a televised debate in mid-November appeared to have little impact on the race.
Analysts are observing whether Uruguay will follow a global trend of incumbent parties losing voter support due to economic hardship. However, Uruguay’s robust economy might have favored Delgado. The final results, expected a few hours after the polls closed, will determine who will lead the country from 2025 to 2030. Orsi’s potential advantage lies in his Broad Front’s majority in the Senate.
First Piper 