“I enjoyed the day,” said Blanca Rodríguez, from the Frente Amplio bunker on Sunday night while awaiting the final results, underlining the relevance of an electoral process that not only represents an election, but also a tribute to those who have fought for democracy in the country. “I believe that it is also something that must be celebrated, this democratic accumulation that we have in the country, for which so many people fought, for which so many people gave their lives.”
With his eyes focused on the results, Rodríguez commented optimistically that “it is confirmed that the Frente Amplio is the political force with the most votes in the country.” This victory is a sign of the party’s growth, highlighting that his party “grew by at least 5 points from the 2019 election to this one.” Rodríguez considered this growth a significant achievement in a campaign that was not easy, reaffirming that the Frente Amplio has managed to maintain the majority in the Senate.
However, the leader remained cautious regarding the situation in the Chamber of Deputies: “We will see what happens in the deputies because it is not so obvious that some of the new parties must be added to the votes of the Republican coalition.” This adds a layer of complexity to the results and raises questions about the political alliances that could form in the immediate future.
The leader of the Frente Amplio emphasized that “now a new election begins,” referring to the contest between the candidates for the presidency. In this context, he emphasized the need for clear and honest communication: “Here what begins to matter is the truth, the truth of the project, the truth of the people, the truth of what is proposed.” Rodríguez also advocated for an approach focused on dialogue and collaboration, highlighting that “you have to go talk and you have to go talk to everyone who is necessary.”
A key figure in this new path is Yamandú Orsi, who, according to Rodríguez, has an “extremely close” character and a remarkable ability to communicate with people. “I believe he is the ideal man to be in this place now to seek the presidency of the Republic,” he stated, trusting that his leadership and closeness to the people will be decisive in the new political stage.
Campaign planning is a critical aspect for Rodríguez and his team: “The campaign strategy is being designed right now starting tomorrow because all political theory indicates that after a runoff the first days are key.” Aware of the importance of acting quickly, he maintained that these initial days are essential to establish a clear message about the direction of the country under Orsi’s leadership.
He highlighted the importance of concrete proposals and effective communication. “What matters is bringing people closer to clearly where the country is going to go if it supports Yamandú Orsi,” he said. In his opinion, people do not need empty slogans; They require beliefs based on solid and sincere proposals.
Throughout the campaign, the Frente Amplio prioritized a tone of respect, avoiding destructive confrontation. “It was a campaign that did not have the high tone that political campaigns in our country used to have,” Rodríguez recalled. In his opinion, insult and ridicule are toxic ingredients that damage the integrity of politics. “All of this erodes institutionality and erodes politics,” he explained.
In the electoral scenario, the Frente Amplio achieved victories in Montevideo and Canelones, although it faced challenges in the interior of the country. Rodríguez identified the need to concentrate on these critical areas: “I suppose that the Frente Amplio has to look for votes where they are fought for.”
“We have 20 days, less than 20 days,” he added, recognizing that time is essential to restructure strategies and capture votes in the areas where the electoral competition was tighter. To face this challenge, Rodríguez observed that Orsi “was present where he had to be present, which was with the people” and highlighted his commitment when touring the country.
Finally, Rodríguez advocated for holding a mandatory debate between the two presidential candidates in the runoff and emphasized that the quality of the debate is crucial, underscoring the need for both candidates to prepare adequately to be able to communicate their visions effectively: “There it matters a lot how things are presented, how they are communicated matters a lot.”
Rodríguez is confident that Yamandú Orsi has the necessary qualities to stand out in this format. “I believe that Orsi has excellent qualities to do it,” and he stressed that he expresses a strong conviction in his ability to connect with the electorate and transmit his proposals in a way that resonates with citizens.
In the background of these elections, the figure of the Frente Amplio stands as the representation of a political option that seeks to be inclusive, participatory and committed to social well-being. The proposal of constant dialogue and the defense of democratic values are aspects that Rodríguez emphasizes as fundamental for the future of the country. “Never insult, never disqualification, never mockery,” he insists, marking the way towards a more constructive and positive policy.
As the country prepares for the runoff, uncertainty surrounding the composition of parliament remains present. The possibility of alliances and the dynamics of support from new parties will play a determining role in the decisions that will be made in the coming years. Rodríguez, pointing out that “that will be defined by those who are defining the campaign strategy at this moment,” suggests that we must be attentive to how these political relationships evolve.
