In a significant political shift, Yamandu Orsi of the Broad Front has been elected as the new president of Uruguay on November 25, 2024. Orsi secured 1,123,420 votes, representing 51.9% of the total, while his opponent Álvaro Delgado of the National Party received 1,042,001 votes, or 48.1%. This election marks a departure from five years of conservative governance under President Luis Lacalle Pou [d4a42451].
Orsi's campaign, which had previously garnered 43.9% of the vote in the first round on October 27, was notably supported by former president José 'Pepe' Mujica. Both candidates emphasized their commitment to addressing pressing issues such as drug-related crime and economic growth, which resonated with the electorate [d4a42451].
The election results reflect a broader global trend where incumbent parties are losing support, as seen in various countries around the world. Voting in Uruguay is compulsory, which likely contributed to the high voter turnout and engagement in this election [d4a42451].
As Orsi prepares to take office, he faces the challenge of fulfilling his campaign promises while navigating the socio-economic landscape of Uruguay. His victory signals a potential shift in policy direction, particularly in areas concerning social welfare and crime prevention, as he aims to implement reforms that align with the aspirations of his supporters [d4a42451].