In a closely contested runoff, Yamandú Orsi's win marks the return of the center-left party to power in Uruguay after five years of conservative rule.
Uruguay's Presidential Election Sees Center-Left Victory
Uruguay's Presidential Election Sees Center-Left Victory
Yamandú Orsi of the Broad Front emerges victorious as candidate of the ruling National Party concedes defeat.
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay — In a closely watched presidential runoff, Yamandú Orsi, a former mayor and history educator, defeated Álvaro Delgado, the incumbent National Party candidate, reclaiming leadership for Uruguay's center-left Broad Front party. Despite the election being ongoing, Delgado conceded defeat and expressed his congratulations to Orsi.
As election officials reported that approximately half of the votes were counted, Orsi garnered 784,523 votes against Delgado's 771,434. Delgado acknowledged the results with some regret, stating, “With sadness, but without guilt, we can congratulate the winner,” while the Broad Front celebrated with a message that “joy will return” now that Orsi has triumphed.
This election marks a significant political shift in Uruguay, ending a brief phase of right-leaning governance initiated in 2020 under President Luis Lacalle Pou. The previous administration, which concluded the Broad Front's 15-year rule, was characterized by progressive legislative achievements, including the legalization of same-sex marriage, abortion, and marijuana sales.
Lacalle Pou publicly recognized Orsi's victory, stating that he would ensure a smooth transition as the country's future leader. “I called Yamandú Orsi to congratulate him as president-elect,” he said, offering his support as the transition process begins.
