Supporters of Yamandu Orsi, candidate for the Broad Front (Frente Amplio), celebrate early results after polls closed in the presidential run-off election in Montevideo, Uruguay, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Uruguay’s 2024 presidential election has been a significant political event, highlighting the country’s strong democratic traditions. The initial round of voting on October 27 led to a runoff between Yamandú Orsi of the Broad Front (Frente Amplio) and Álvaro Delgado of the National Party (Partido Nacional), set for November 24, 2024.
Candidates and dynamics:
- Yamandú Orsi, a former history teacher and two-term mayor, represents the Broad Front, a center-left coalition that previously governed Uruguay from 2005 to 2020. Orsi’s campaign emphasizes strengthening Uruguay’s social safety net, addressing rising poverty, and maintaining progressive reforms. His pragmatic approach has earned him broad appeal, though he fell short of a first-round victory, securing just over 41% of the vote.
- Álvaro Delgado, a senior aide to outgoing President Luis Lacalle Pou, campaigns on continuing the center-right’s business-friendly policies. He received around 27% in the first round and is backed by a coalition of right-wing parties formed to counter the Broad Front’s influence.
Broader context: Uruguayans also voted on two major referendums, rejecting proposals for pension reform and night-time police raids. The election has been characterized by its civility and focus on key issues like crime, pension reform, and education, avoiding the divisiveness seen in other regional elections.
The runoff will determine the next president, with undecided voters playing a crucial role. The Broad Front leads in voter intention but faces strong opposition from the right-wing coalitio.
