Small but stable Uruguay prepares for peaceful power shift as voters hit polls
Uruguayʼs presidential race showcases a rare sight in South America: moderate candidates with similar views competing without hostility. Two major reforms about pensions and police powers are also on the ballot
In a refreshing contrast to its neighbors political drama‚ Uruguayʼs getting ready for a low-key election day. The small nation (known for its chill beaches and progressive stance on cannabis) is choosing its next leader tomorrow
The main contest puts Yamandu Orsi‚ a center-left front-runner against conservative Alvaro Delgado while tech-savvy Andres Ojeda trails behind in polls. Most experts think nobody will get 50% of votes; meaning a run-off might happen next month
The countrys 3.4 million people will also decide on two big changes:
* A complete re-do of the $22.5 billion pension system
* New rules about police night-time home searches
We have a better country than five years ago
Both main candidates share similar ideas about money stuff — which is pretty un-usual for South America. “The two main camps are more or less the same in terms of macroeconomic policy“ explains economist Maria Dolores Benavente
Crime fighting has become a hot topic with Orsi saying at his last rally: “We must take control of our safety“. Meanwhile Delgadoʼs team points to good job numbers and better wages as reasons to keep things going their way
Voting starts early morning and ends at night-time; with results expected just a couple hours later. Its a peaceful process thats quite different from the loud political fights happening in places like Argentina or Brazil
