Uruguay returns to the polls and decides between the return of the left or the permanence of the ruling party

About 2.7 million Uruguayans are called to vote on Sunday in a second presidential round to choose between Yamandú Orsi, the candidate of the leftist Frente Amplio who aspires to regain power, and Álvaro Delgado, the successor in the National Party who has the mission of revalidating the ruling mandate.

A month ago, none of the candidates reached the percentage of 50% plus one of the votes necessary to win in the first round.

Orsi’s Frente Amplio obtained 44% of support in the October 27 elections, while Delgado garnered 26.8% of popular support. Voters from the rest of the parties in the ruling coalition are now expected to rally their forces towards the National Party.

Delgado clings to the support of the other parties in the coalition, created in 2019 to ensure the arrival of the current president Luis Lacalle Pou to power after fifteen consecutive years of leftist governments, to once again counteract the strength of the leftist Frente Amplio.

Just as it happened throughout the entire electoral race, marked by tranquility in a solid democracy like Uruguay’s, the last weeks of the candidates’ campaign stood out for their friendly and respectful tone.

With about 3.5 million inhabitants, Uruguay is considered one of the most stable countries and with one of the lowest poverty rates in Latin America, as well as the highest GDP in the region. However, in recent years there has been an impact due to a rising cost of living, constant droughts and the emergence of hitherto unknown problems, such as drug trafficking and the increased feeling of insecurity.

The only presidential debate of the campaign took place last Sunday, without any surprises, unforeseen events or uncomfortable moments. The contenders presented their programs, which in general terms have several similarities. The greatest divergences occur on the economic level.

Both Orsi and Delgado have promised to promote more robust growth in the economy and improve the country’s competitiveness, but with different strategies.

Orsi, who presents himself as the face of the “modern left,” set economic growth with income redistribution as a priority, which is why his main promise is an increase in salaries. Likewise, he has emphasized the importance of strengthening activities considered vital for the country, such as agriculture, industry and tourism, in addition to small and medium-sized businesses.

“Our project fundamentally goes through the country of certainties and certainty,” said the progressive at the closing of his campaign on Wednesday, in the Canelones region. To do this, he highlighted the “governability conditions” of the formula that he integrates with Carolina Cosse, thanks to the majority of senators that the Frente Amplio obtained in the October elections.

Meanwhile, Delgado has opted for closeness with his predecessor Lacalle Pou, who will leave office with 50% approval, to show himself as the face of the “continuity” of the reforms and policies implemented by the current president. These include controlling public spending in order to achieve a more efficient State, a questioned retirement reform and measures to increase the purchasing power of Uruguayans.

After five years of government, the official alliance has been strengthened and, according to Delgado, will focus on “reaching the necessary agreements for Uruguay to move towards development.”

“They are pushing us to vote, to militate and to rise to the occasion,” said the candidate at the closing rally of his campaign on Wednesday, in Montevideo.

Regarding social policies, while the ruling party has praised the continuity of the reforms started by Lacalle Pou’s administration, Orsi has defended proposals for change, such as lowering the retirement age again, increasing minimum pensions and expanding the subsidy for maternity.

Another of the main axes of the electoral contest refers to security and the fight against drug trafficking, for which both candidates have committed to strengthening defense policies with the acquisition of equipment and the expansion of police forces.

Although the Frente Amplio finished the first round with more than 15 points ahead of the National Party, the polls predict a fairly close and even second round, since many voters from other parties, especially the historic Colorado Party, are expected to , third in the October race, will transfer their support to the ruling coalition.

All polls predict a victory for Orsi, with an advantage of between 2% and 4% over Delgado. However, once again the vote of the undecided is emerging as key, since close to 10% of voters have not yet decided on their candidate.

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