In a year filled with global elections Uruguayʼs laid-back democracy showcases its political maturity with a super-tight presidential runoff. The small beach-side nation (known for its legal weed and chill vibes) puts two moderate candidates to test.
Yamandu Orsi and Alvaro Delgado face-off in a race thats expected to be decided by less than 25000 votes; both represent different-but-not-too-different political views. The voting stations opened at 8am and close at 7:30pm with first results coming in two hours after that
While neighboring countries deal with sharp political splits Uruguay keeps it cool - the main issues are down-to-earth: living costs crime rates and social gaps. The good news is: inflation is going down jobs are up and people earn more these days
They did more in five years than the Broad Front did in 15 years
Orsi who got 43.9% in last months first round leads his center-left Broad Front with a modern approach. His opponent Delgado scored 26.8% but has extra support from another party that brings their total to 42%. The current president Luis Lacalle Pou cant run again (its in the rules) but his good ratings might help Delgado
Both want to get votes from:
* People who chose smaller parties last time
* Those who didnt vote in October
* Un-aligned citizens looking for change
The economy looks good which could help Delgadoʼs team stay in power - something rare in todays world where many ruling parties are losing elections because of money problems