Uruguay election: Left-wing Yamandu Orsi projected to win

Left-wing candidate Yamandu Orsi is poised to win Uruguay's presidency, according to media projections on Sunday, signalling a shift after five years of centre-right governance.

Orsi, from the Frente Amplio (Broad Front) alliance, led a tight runoff race against Alvaro Delgado of the National Party, part of outgoing President Luis Lacalle Pou's Republican Coalition. Polls from Equipos Consultores and Cifra showed Orsi ahead, with approximately 49% of the vote compared to Delgado's 46%.

The victory marks a resurgence for the Broad Front, which previously held power for 15 years before losing in 2020. Orsi’s campaign drew strength from the endorsement of José "Pepe" Mujica, a former guerrilla and ex-president famed for his austere lifestyle. Orsi, often regarded as Mujica's political protégé, narrowly missed a first-round win in October, securing 43.9% of votes to Delgado's 26.7%.

As voting concluded Sunday, Orsi cast his ballot to applause in rural Canelones, while Delgado voted in Montevideo, vowing to invite Orsi for traditional mate tea if victorious.

A swing back to the left

Uruguay, with 3.4 million residents, is known for its stability and progressive policies under prior Broad Front administrations. During their tenure, the country legalised same-sex marriage, decriminalised abortion, and became the first to legalise recreational cannabis use globally.

Concerns about rising crime and drug trafficking led to a conservative victory in 2020. However, insecurity remains a top issue for voters. A 72-year-old retiree, Juan Antonio Stivan, expressed hope for a government that ensures public safety.

Voting, mandatory in Uruguay, closed Sunday evening, with the final results awaited. If confirmed, Orsi’s presidency would mark a significant leftward shift in South America's political landscape.