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dpatopbilder - Uruguay's former president Jose "Pepe" Mujica waits to cast his vote at a polling station in Montevideo. Photo: Natacha Pisarenko/AP
Keystone
After an election campaign without any fierce disputes, the run-off election for the presidency has begun in Uruguay. In the second round, a close race is expected between left-wing candidate Yamandú Orsi and the conservative candidate of the ruling Partido Nacional, Álvaro Delgado. The decisive factor is likely to be which candidate succeeds in attracting more votes from the supporters of the candidates eliminated in the first round of voting.
Around 2.7 million people have been called to vote in the small South American country. Voting is compulsory. According to the constitution, the popular incumbent Luis Lacalle Pou is not allowed to run again. In Latin America, which is characterized by strong polarization, political violence and authoritarian tendencies, Uruguay is considered a model democratic country.
No radical changes expected
If he wins the election, the left-wing Orsi wants to fight poverty and take decisive action against corruption. The conservative Delgado announced that he would continue the policies of the current government and reduce bureaucracy. According to surveys, Uruguayans are particularly concerned about the security situation, the economic situation and jobs.
Compared to other countries in the region, Uruguay is politically less polarized. Since the return to democracy 40 years ago, center-right and center-left governments have alternated. Regardless of the outcome of the election, no radical changes are expected. "People don't want profound change, but small adjustments," said Mariana Pomiés, director of the opinion research institute Cifra, in an interview with the newspaper "El Observador".
24.11.2024, 13:02
