Uruguay Presidential Election Heads to Runoff

Uruguay's presidential election has resulted in a runoff scheduled for November 24, as neither leading candidate secured the necessary majority in the initial vote. Yamandú Orsi of the leftist Broad Front received approximately 43.5% of the votes, while Álvaro Delgado from the center-right National Party garnered around 27%. Voter turnout was reported at 89% among the 2.7 million eligible voters, reflecting Uruguay's strong democratic engagement. The election has primarily focused on issues such as rising crime rates and pension reform, with both candidates emphasizing their strategies to address these concerns. Orsi's campaign is buoyed by historical support from former President José Mujica, while Delgado aims to consolidate support from third-place candidate Andrés Ojeda's base to strengthen his position in the runoff. The political climate in Uruguay stands in contrast to other Latin American nations, showcasing a more civil electoral process despite underlying tensions regarding economic and security issues.