Uruguay is gearing up for its presidential elections scheduled for October 29, 2024. Current President Luis Lacalle Pou is unable to run for re-election due to term limits, leading to a competitive race between Álvaro Delgado, 55, the candidate from the governing National Party, and Yamandú Orsi, 57, representing the opposition Broad Front. Key issues dominating the election discourse include rising crime rates, child poverty affecting 25% of the population, and the challenges posed by an aging demographic.
In a significant development, Uruguayans will also vote on a union-backed referendum to lower the pension age to 60 during the first round of the presidential election. This proposal has raised concerns among the government, economists, and markets regarding its potential economic impact, making it a pivotal issue in the election [4c47d7b2].
Yamandú Orsi has made a significant campaign promise to hire 2,000 additional police officers in an effort to combat crime and enhance public safety. Meanwhile, Álvaro Delgado plans to introduce a $200 million spending package aimed at supporting disadvantaged children, addressing the pressing issue of child poverty. These initiatives reflect the candidates' strategies to appeal to voters concerned about social welfare and security.
As the election date approaches, polls will open at 8 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. on election day. If no candidate secures a majority of the votes, a runoff election will take place on November 24, 2024. The outcome of this election is crucial for Uruguay as it seeks to navigate its socio-economic challenges and ensure a stable political future. Voter turnout and engagement will be vital in determining the direction the country will take in the coming years, especially in light of the pressing issues at hand.