On Tuesday, the presidential candidate of Uruguay’s ruling party, Álvaro Delgado, closed the National Party’s campaign by urging “to ensure the continuity” of the current center-right government ahead of the elections that will take place next Sunday. Delgado, who served as Secretary of the Presidency under Luis Lacalle Pou, faces a significant electoral challenge.
According to the latest survey by the consulting firm Cifra, also released on Tuesday, Delgado has 23% of voting intentions. This figure places him 21 points behind his main competitor, Yamandú Orsi, the candidate of the leftist Frente Amplio.
The electoral panorama suggests that if none of the candidates exceeds 50% of the votes in the first round, a runoff will be held on November 24.
The continuity of Lacalle Pou’s policies
During the final campaign event in Las Piedras, a town about 30 kilometers from Montevideo, Delgado appealed for the continuity of the transformations initiated by the current government. “We are going to a second floor of transformations (…) because this government leaves us a very solid first floor to continue building the future,” he indicated before approximately a thousand supporters, accompanied by Valeria Ripoll, his running mate.
In his speech, Delgado especially addressed the segment of undecided voters, who according to Cifra represent around 8% of the electorate. «We are going to ask these people to think about who gives you certainty, who gives you tranquility, who gives you peace, who gives you predictability, who assures you tolerance, freedom, and above all, who ensures that the country continues to grow. and developing,” said the candidate.
Raising fear of the Frente Amplio
Delgado warned of the potential return to the Frente Amplio government, which was in power from 2005 to 2020, describing it as the “worst past” from which, according to him, neither voters nor he himself want to return. His speech underlined the importance of the continuity of the current coalition in power as a safeguard of stable policies and growth.
The 55-year-old veteran politician also stated: “If the Republican coalition is the most voted political project, next Sunday the 27th we will begin to ensure the continuity of this government.” Known for his role in managing the Covid-19 pandemic, Delgado presents himself as a candidate with experience and commitment to the continuity of the reforms.
Cifra data reflects a growth in the intention to vote in favor of the parties that make up the ruling bloc, approaching the Frente Amplio. The Colorado Party obtains 15%, Cabildo Abierto 3%, and the Independent Party 2%. Delgado has expressed his desire to lead a new coalition government with the National Party at the helm.
