In the first round of the presidential elections in Uruguay, the candidate of the Wide Front, Yamandu Orsistood out as the most voted, although he did not achieve the majority necessary to avoid a second round. Orsi will face the National Party candidate, Álvaro Delgado, in the runoff. In his statements after the closing of the electoral process, Orsi emphasized the importance of unity and citizen participation.
“It is time for change,” Orsi stated during his speech, where he thanked his family, the militants and his running mate, Carolina Cosse. The candidate considered that this occasion represents a celebration of democracy in Uruguay, which has maintained its political stability for four decades. He highlighted that the Frente Amplio has managed to increase its number of voters compared to the 2019 elections and is once again positioned as the most important party in the country.
Along the same lines, Orsi raised the need for a collective effort in the days before the runoff. “With more desire than ever, more standing than ever”he stated, and called on all Uruguayan citizens to contribute to a fair electoral competition, independent of party inclinations. This message aims to strengthen social cohesion among citizens.
The challenges towards the runoff
Yamandú Orsi highlighted that “Uruguay needs to grow” and that the Uruguayan people “needs to live better”. He used the symbol of the national coat of arms to refer to the notion of sovereignty, emphasizing the diversity of identities that make up the Uruguayan nation. “We are several parts and a whole at the same time,” was another of his key reflections during the intervention.
The speech is framed in a political context full of challenges for the Frente Amplio candidate. Orsi stressed that The country is at a crucial moment that could determine the political futureeconomic and social of Uruguay. He assured that they have the capacity to meet the expectations of citizens, citing the lyrics of the national anthem as a symbol of commitment.
At the end of his speech, Orsi concluded with a message of optimism and determination. “Let’s redouble. Not long left. We will triumph. Thank you,” said the candidate, making it clear that he is willing to fight for the presidency in the second round.
📍 #Elections2024: “Today hope is triumphing; “Orsi said in his speech and added: “We will know how to comply, Uruguayans.” pic.twitter.com/4EVaTvvghA
— Channel 5 News (@5noticiasuy) October 28, 2024
Carolina Cosse recalled the long history of the Broad Front
Carolina Cosse, running mate and vice presidential candidate, also highlighted the importance of the results obtained. From his perspective, “democracy and the republic won again,” and addressed those who did not vote for the Frente Amplio, stating that this election day was a shared triumph. He referred to the importance of citizen participation, mentioning that this election reflects the strength of democratic values in the country. Cosse pointed out that the victory of any party should resonate beyond the numerical results. “We vote to win against insecurity, violence, ignorance, inequality and injustice”he asserted. He emphasized that the wide acceptance of his proposal is a reflection of the popular will to act in the face of national challenges. Responding to the history of the Frente Amplio as a political force in Uruguay, Cosse recalled that it has been the main representation of the left in the country for 25 years. He called for collective action for a government that implements effective and sustainable state policies.
📍 #Elections2024: “There will be a new progressive era,” said Carolina Cosse in her speech pic.twitter.com/2ng11h3van
— Channel 5 News (@5noticiasuy) October 28, 2024
Electoral analysis and projections
According to estimates from various consulting groups, the Frente Amplio has achieved support that ranges between 43.6% and 44.1% of the votes. For its part, the National Party has reached between 26.8% and 27%, while the Colorado Party is between 15.5% and 16.3%. These results reflect a competitive panorama for the second electoral round, where each vote will be crucial.