Latin America: Uruguayans elect president in runoff

After an election campaign without tough conflicts, the runoff election for the presidency has begun in Uruguay. In the second round, a close race is expected between left-wing candidate Yamandú Orsi and the conservative candidate from the ruling Partido Nacional party, Álvaro Delgado. The decisive factor is likely to be which candidate manages to attract more votes from the supporters of the candidates who were eliminated in the first round of voting.

Around 2.7 million people are called to vote in the small South American country. Voting is compulsory. According to the constitution, the popular incumbent Luis Lacalle Pou is not allowed to run again. In Latin America, which is marked by strong polarization, political violence and authoritarian tendencies, Uruguay is considered a model democratic country.

No radical changes expected

If he wins the election, the leftist Orsi wants to fight poverty and take decisive action against corruption. The conservative Delgado announced that he would continue the policies of the incumbent government and reduce bureaucracy. According to surveys, Uruguayans are primarily concerned about the security situation, the economic situation and jobs.

Compared to other countries in the region, Uruguay is not very politically polarized. Since the return to democracy 40 years ago, center-right and center-left governments have alternated. Regardless of the outcome of the election, no radical changes are expected. “People don’t want a profound change, but rather small adjustments,” said the director of the Cifra opinion research institute, Mariana Pomiés, in an interview with the newspaper “El Observador”.