Uruguay’s Center Left Reclaims Power in Presidential Election

uruguay’s-center-left-reclaims-power-in-presidential-election

Americas|Uruguay’s Center Left Reclaims Power in Presidential Election

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/24/world/americas/uruguay-presidential-election.html

You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load.

After a campaign notable for the amiable tone from both parties, Yamandú Orsi was named the winner.

A man in a blue suit holds a microphone.
Álvaro Delgado, the candidate of the incumbent National Party, conceded defeat in Uruguay’s presidential election on Sunday.Credit…Matilde Campodonico/Associated Press

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay — A onetime mayor and history teacher defeated the candidate of the conservative coalition that has governed Uruguay for the past five years to win his country’s presidency on Sunday.

Even as ballots in the closely contested runoff election were still being counted, Álvaro Delgado, the current president’s chief of staff, conceded defeat to his challenger, Yamandú Orsi.

“With sadness, but without guilt, we can congratulate the winner,” Mr. Delgado said.

Mr. Orsi’s center-left party, the Broad Front, released a statement saying that “joy will return” and announcing him as the winner.

Election officials said that with just over half the ballots counted, Mr. Orsi had secured 784,523 votes, and Mr. Delgado 771,434.

Mr. Delgado’s concession signaled an end to the short stint of the right-leaning government in Uruguay that in 2020, when President Luis Lacalle Pou took office, ended 15 years of government by the Broad Front. During that period, the Broad Front oversaw the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage and the sale of marijuana.

“I called Yamandú Orsi to congratulate him as president-elect of our country,” Mr. Lacalle Pou said in a statement, adding that he would “put myself at his service and begin the transition as soon as I deem it appropriate.”


Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.


Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber? Log in.

Want all of The Times? Subscribe.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *