Orsi and Delgado to Contest Uruguay's Presidency in Runoff

With 99% of the votes counted, everything points to a runoff in the Uruguayan presidential elections, as no party has achieved an absolute majority in the first round. The candidate from the Broad Front (FA), the leftist Yamandú Orsi, was the most voted during the elections held this Sunday, garnering 43.9% of the votes, results that were already anticipated by the polls.

In contrast, the ruling Álvaro Delgado, from the National Party, secured 26.7% of the ballots, more than initially expected. Currently, this party governs under the leadership of Luis Lacalle Pou, in coalition with three other parties. The first of these, the Colorado Party, was chosen by 16% of the citizens, Cabildo Abierto was selected by 2.6%, and finally, only 1.7% opted for the Independent Party.

A party founded in 2022, Sovereign Identity, which distances itself from the two major blocs, was chosen by 2.7% of the voters. Thus, throughout this month, all forces will continue campaigning to gather as many votes as possible. It is common for parties that did not end up being the two most voted to lend their support to one of the formations to create alliances and strategies for the future.

The second round of the Uruguayan presidential elections will be contested on November 24th. As none of the forces reached the absolute majority needed, the 'balotaje', as it is commonly called in those lands, will only allow Uruguayans to choose between the two most chosen candidates during this first round. That is, only between Yamandú Orsi and Álvaro Delgado.

Orsi called for unity among his supporters to achieve the majority: "We are close, we will triumph! Let's make this last effort with more enthusiasm than ever." On the other hand, Delgado celebrated the results of the first round, surrounded by the partners of the ruling coalition: "The coalition is the most voted political project in this country. Today we begin a stage of a different logic." The Colorado Party candidate, Andrés Ojeda, promised they will be "back to back to defeat the Broad Front." If Delgado wants the presidency, he must repeat the formula that has allowed the National Party to govern since 2020.