Center-left opposition candidate Yamandú Orsi secured victory in Uruguay’s presidential election, according to official results on Sunday, with 99% of votes counted, in a runoff race that pollsters expected to be close.
Yamandú Orsi secured a small but comfortable margin of 49.81% of the vote against 45.90% for conservative Álvaro Delgado, official results showed.
“The horizon is lighting up,” Orsi said as he addressed thousands of Frente Amplio party supporters in Montevideo who gathered on a stage overlooking the capital’s waterfront to await the results.
“I will be the president who always calls for national dialogue,” he said. “The country of freedom, equality and also fraternity triumphs once again… Let’s continue on this path. Let’s continue on this path.”
Orsi, a 57-year-old former mayor of Canelones – which attracted companies such as Google – said he will avoid raising taxes that could scare businesses and will instead focus on attracting investors, stimulating growth and empowering workers.
He also signaled closer cooperation with Europe in combating drug trafficking and more funding for the prison system.
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His victory was celebrated by the Organization of American States (OAS) and other Latin American nations from all political camps.
Both Delgado and Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou, a member of the National Party, conceded defeat, quickly congratulating Orsi and offering to help with the transition after results indicated a center-left victory.
The election between two moderates in the country of 3.4 million people, known for its beaches, legal marijuana and stability, marks the end of a year of global elections – many of which have suffered from bitter political divisions.
Orsi, Delgado and Lacalle Pou expressed goodwill with their political opposition and promised to work together to move the country forward.
Unlike the sharp divisions between right and left in recent elections in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, Uruguay’s political arena is relatively tension-free, with significant overlap between coalitions.
The high cost of living, inequality and violent crime are among Uruguayans’ biggest concerns, but inflation was declining in the run-up to the election, and both employment and real wages are rising.
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Orsi, who promised a “modern left” political approach, won 43.9% of the October first round vote for the Broad Front and faced Delgado, who secured 26.8% but also had the support of the conservative Colorado Party, which, together with his National Party, represented almost 42% of the vote.
Orsi sought to reassure Uruguayans, saying he does not plan a radical change in politics in the traditionally moderate and relatively wealthy country.
