Table of Contents
On 94.4% of the ballots counted, Yamandu Orsi obtained 1,123,420 votes against 1,042,001 for his center-right opponent Alvaro Delgado, according to the official results communicated by the Electoral Court this Sunday, November 24
The left-wing opposition candidate for the Uruguayan presidential election, Yamandu Orsi, won the second round of the election this Sunday, November 24, a victory marking the return to power of the left of the emblematic former president José Mujica.
“I will be the president who calls again and again for national dialogue to find the best solutions, of course by following our vision, but also by listening very carefully to what others tell us,” reacted during a speech to his supporters of the elected president, a former history professor from the left-wing Frente Amplio coalition.
Alvaro Delgado, a former veterinarian from the same right-wing National Party as outgoing President Luis Lacalle Pou, conceded defeat in the evening. “Today, the Uruguayan people have chosen (the one) who will occupy the presidency of the Republic,” he declared, saying “greet” Yamandu Orsi in the name of “all the actors of the (governmental) coalition” which supported him.
Yamandu Orsi finished well in the lead in the first round on October 27 with 43.9% of the votes, ahead of Alvaro Delgado (26.8%) who, however, had the reservoir of votes of Andres Ojeda, of the Colorado party (center right), came in third position (16%).
Yamandu Orsi’s victory, however, does not augur any sign of a change of direction, the elected president having promised, when he was still a candidate, “a sure change which will not be radical”.
“A victory for all of Latin America”
During the campaign, the two candidates insisted on reviving growth and reducing the budget deficit. They pledged not to increase the tax burden and promised to fight against increasing crime linked to drug trafficking. Yamandu Orsi wants to develop exchanges on a regional scale, while Alvaro Delgado leaned towards multilateral agreements.
“I would like to congratulate (…) the elected president Yamandu Orsi, the Frente Amplio and my friend Pepe Mujica for their victory in today’s elections”, reacted on X the president of neighboring Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. “This is a victory for all of Latin America and the Caribbean,” he noted.
If Uruguay has a high per capita income, as well as lower levels of poverty and inequality compared to the rest of South America, employment and security have been placed at the center of the concerns of 3.4 million inhabitants of the country with 12 million head of cattle.
Majority in the Senate for the Frente Amplio
The left relied on its tutelary figure, José “Pepe” Mujica, the former president (2010-2015) and ex-guerrilla tortured and imprisoned under the dictatorship (1973-1985), to return to power after the Tabaré Vazquez years ( 2005-2010, then 2015-2020) which put an end to the hegemony of the right and center right.
Despite his 89 years, his fight against cancer and difficulty getting around, José Mujica increased his appearances and meetings to attract the vote of young and undecided people who seemed to hold the key to the election.
Outgoing President Luis Lacalle Pou, in power since 2020, was unable to run again despite a popularity rating of 50%, because the Constitution prohibits running for a second consecutive term. He promised an “orderly” transition in the most stable country in Latin America, with parties with a long history, clear identities despite their unions in coalitions and whose membership is transmitted even within families. .
Concurrent general elections in the first round saw the Frente Amplio win 16 of the 30 seats in the Senate and 48 of the 99 seats in the Chamber of Deputies.
## World-Today-News Exclusive Interview: Dissecting Uruguay’s Left-Wing Victory
**Welcome to World-Today-News!**
Today, we are joined by two esteemed guests to discuss the monumental shift in Uruguayan politics following the recent presidential elections.
Our guests are:
* **Dr. Amelia Rodriguez,** a leading political scientist specializing in Latin American politics and elections.
* **Mr. Juan Carlos Perez,** a renowned Uruguayan journalist with decades of experience covering domestic and international affairs.
Let’s delve into this fascinating political landscape.
**Section 1: The Rise of Yamandu Orsi and the Return of the Left**
* **Host:** Dr. Rodriguez, Yamandu Orsi campaigned on a platform of “a sure change, which will not be radical.” How does this message resonate with the Uruguayan electorate, particularly after five years of center-right rule?
* **Host:** Mr. Perez, from your vantage point on the ground, what factors contributed to Orsi’s success and the Frente Amplio’s resurgence? Was it a simple rejection of the incumbent party, or does Orsi offer a compelling alternative vision for Uruguay?
**Section 2: The Regional Implications: A “Victory for Latin America”?**
* **Host:** Dr. Rodriguez, Brazilian President Lula da Silva hailed Orsi’s victory as a win “for all of Latin America and the Caribbean.” What broader implications does this election hold for the political landscape of the region? Is this indicative of a broader shift towards left-leaning governments?
* **Host:** Mr. Perez, Uruguay is known for its political stability and democratic traditions. How do you perceive this election impacting Uruguay’s regional and global standing?
**Section 3: Addressing Domestic Challenges: The Economic and Social Landscape**
* **Host:** Dr. Rodriguez, both Orsi and Delgado emphasized economic growth, deficit reduction, and combating crime during their campaigns. Given Uruguay’s strong economic indicators, what specific challenges does Orsi face in delivering on these promises?
* **Host:** Mr. Perez, Orsi has pledged to prioritize dialog and collaboration. How realistic is this approach, considering the polarized political climate in Uruguay and the need to address pressing issues like employment and citizen security?
**Section 4: The Legacy of José Mujica and the Future of the Frente Amplio**
* **Host:** Dr. Rodriguez, José Mujica played a vital role in Orsi’s campaign, resonating with younger voters. How significant is Mujica’s legacy for the Frente Amplio, and can the party maintain its momentum beyond his influence?
* **Host:** Mr. Perez, with the Frente Amplio’s majority in both houses of the legislature, what are the prospects for enacting Orsi’s agenda? What potential hurdles or opportunities lie ahead for the new administration?
**Closing Remarks**
* **Host:** Thank you both for sharing your insightful analysis on this historic election. This victory certainly marks a significant moment for Uruguay and the wider Latin American region. We will continue to follow developments closely as President-elect Orsi prepares to assume office.
This format allows for a nuanced and in-depth discussion examining various facets of the Uruguayan election. The open-ended questions encourage both guests to elaborate on their viewpoints and provide diverse perspectives on this momentous political event.
