Yamandú Orsi, Mujica Protégé, Wins Uruguay Presidency, Returning Leftist Frente Amplio to Power

Nov 25, 2024, 12:06 AM

Yamandú Orsi of the Frente Amplio has won Uruguay's presidential runoff election held on Sunday, November 24, defeating the ruling party's candidate Álvaro Delgado of the Partido Nacional by almost four percentage points. Orsi, a protege of former president José "Pepe" Mujica known for his humble origins and being the first president since the return to democracy not born in the capital, secured victory after a closely fought campaign amid concerns over crime and the economy. With approximately 89.4% of the 2.7 million eligible voters participating, projections and exit polls indicated Orsi's lead, prompting Delgado to concede defeat. President Luis Lacalle Pou acknowledged Orsi's victory, congratulating him as the president-elect. Orsi's win marks the return of the leftist Frente Amplio to power after five years of conservative rule, making him the third leftist president in Uruguay's history. Carolina Cosse was elected as vice president alongside Orsi. Orsi is set to take office on March 1, 2025. Regional leaders, including Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico and Gabriel Boric of Chile, extended their congratulations.