In Uruguay Presidential Election, 'Left-Wing' Orsi Elected... Regime Change After 5 Years

In the South American Uruguay presidential election, Yamand? Orsi (57), a candidate from the center-left 'Frente Amplio' (FA), was elected. This marks the return to power of the center-left after five years.

AFP Yonhap News

According to the Uruguay Electoral Court, in the runoff presidential vote on the 24th (local time), Orsi secured 49.02% of the vote with 81.26% of the ballots counted, surpassing ?lvaro Delgado (55) of the center-right ruling National Party (Partido Nacional), who received 46.74%. Orsi, who had also led in the first round last month, was predicted to win according to exit polls released immediately after voting. Delgado acknowledged his defeat, stating, "I will help President-elect Orsi to build a better Uruguay."

Orsi is a politician who managed the administration of Canelones Department, a densely populated area following the capital Montevideo, from 2015 until recently. Coming from an Italian immigrant family, he also worked as a teacher in middle and high school. Local media reported that he received positive evaluations for leading local government while embracing even center and right-leaning figures. In this election, his campaign promises included strengthening public security, expanding welfare for the poor, and establishing a transparent policy-making process.

With Orsi's victory, the left returns to power in Uruguay after five years. This development is seen as reinforcing the wave of leftist governments emerging across Latin America (the Pink Tide), following countries such as Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, and Honduras. Countries in Latin America currently governed by right-wing leaders include Argentina, Paraguay, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Panama.

Uruguay, bordering Brazil and Argentina, has a population of about 3.4 million and boasts one of the highest per capita GDP levels in Latin America. It established diplomatic relations with South Korea on October 7, 1964.