The Uruguayan left returns to the presidency with Orsi; the government promises an amicable transition

Center-left opposition candidate Yamandú Orsi secured victory in Uruguay’s presidential election, according to official results on Sunday, with 99% of votes counted, in a runoff that pollsters expected to be tight.

Yamandú Orsi secured a small but comfortable margin of 49.81% of the vote against conservative Álvaro Delgado’s 45.90%, official results show.

“The horizon is brightening,” Orsi said, addressing the thousands of supporters of the Frente Amplio party who gathered on a stage overlooking the capital’s seafront in Montevideo to await the results.

“I will be the president who always calls for national dialogue,” he said. “The country of freedom, equality and also brotherhood triumphs once again… Let’s continue on this path. Let’s continue on this path.”

Orsi, 57, the former mayor of Canelones – which has attracted companies such as Google – said he would avoid raising taxes that would scare off businesses and instead focus on attracting investors, stimulating growth and empowering workers .

He also signaled closer cooperation with Europe in fighting drug trafficking and more funding for the prison system.

His victory was celebrated by the Organization of American States (OAS) and other Latin American nations from across the political spectrum.

Both Delgado and Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou, a member of the National Party, conceded defeat, immediately congratulating Orsi and offering to help with the transition after the results indicated a center-left victory.

The election between two moderates in the country of 3.4 million, known for its beaches, legal marijuana and stability, marks the end of a year of global elections, many of which have suffered from bitter political divisions.

Orsi, Delgado and Lacalle Pou expressed goodwill towards their political opposition and promised to work together to move the country forward.

Unlike the sharp divisions between right and left in recent elections in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, Uruguay’s political arena is relatively tension-free, with significant overlaps between coalitions.

The high cost of living, inequality and violent crime are among Uruguayans’ biggest concerns, but in the run-up to the elections inflation was falling and both employment and real wages are rising.

Orsi, who promised a “modern left” political approach, won 43.9% of October’s first-round vote for the Broad Front and faced Delgado, who got 26.8% but also had support of the conservative Colorado Party, which, together with its National Party, represented almost 42% of the vote.

Orsi sought to reassure Uruguayans, saying he does not foresee a radical change in politics in the traditionally moderate and relatively wealthy country.

Source: Terra

Rose

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