We vote! We will know how to comply. pic.twitter.com/K3fzGDbPa2
— Yamandú Orsi (@OrsiYamandu) November 24, 2024
In an environment marked by greetings and photographs with militants, the Frente Amplio candidate, Yamandu Orsicast his vote in the runoff this past Sunday at 10:30 in the morning. The day took place at the UTU in the city of cannelloni, where the candidate perceived a different atmosphere than that registered during the month of October.
Orsi pointed out that “the climate is different” because he did not find the same number of militant positions as in the first round. This time, although there were people who greeted him upon arrival, access to the voting precinct was more expeditious, allowing him to enter without significant delays.
Upon leaving the circuit, Orsi had a brief exchange with the press. He referred to a conversation that He held with his opponent, Álvaro Delgado, wishing him “luck but a little less than yourself.” He also discussed the meeting that Delgado had with President Luis Lacalle Pou, dismissing his influence on the electoral process.
Orsi made it clear that he does not consider such events to confuse the electorate, stressing that “people’s intelligence is a little underestimated.” He expressed that the president has not “got directly involved” in the campaign. In his statements, Orsi addressed those who are still undecided, encouraging them to actively participate in this “festival” of voting.
Considerations on external voting
In his meeting with the media, Orsi also shared his opinion on the right to vote from abroad. He proposed analyzing the viability of this modality with an open mind, arguing that it is not fair to limit the possibility of voting only to those who can afford to travel to the country, due to the availability of resources or geographical proximity.
Orsi highlighted that “in the world the trend is for participation,” but he also recognized that the final mandate belongs to the citizens, according to their opinions in past referendums. In the middle of these discussions, the candidate was surprised by a group of children who gave him a ball, causing a moment of relaxation and laughter.
Orsi’s voting day began with a special visit by militants to his home, who gave him a banner that said “Thank you, Yama.” After casting his vote, Orsi planned to continue a family tradition: having lunch with Marcos Carámbula, his mentor and former mayor of Canelones.
His personal agenda also included visiting the cemetery to pay tribute to his father with flowers, an act that is part of his routine on this special day. He prepared to go to the NH Columbia hotel, located on Rambla Great Britain in Ciudad Vieja, starting at 6:00 p.m., where he would meet with his campaign team while awaiting the election results.
Position on Mercosur and foreign policy
In another order of topics, after voting, Orsi spoke regarding the situation in Mercosur. He defended the need for “a mixture of openness and unity”, seeking to revitalize the functioning of the commercial bloc, which he described as “sclerosed.” Orsi suggested that ignoring Mercosur would be a mistake, agreeing on this point with Argentine President Javier Milei.
The candidate spoke about maintaining correct relations with Argentina, and highlighted some positive efforts of the current Argentine government such as dredging. He was also questioned about the presence of Nicolás Maduro at his eventual inauguration. Orsi reaffirmed that relations are established between states, not between individuals or ideologies, emphasizing the current diplomatic complications with Venezuela.
Reflections on sovereignty and citizen decisions
Orsi pointed out that the debate on voting from abroad must eventually be resumed, despite the fact that citizens previously voted against this measure. He insisted on respecting the decisions of the electorate, highlighting that “the sovereign rules.”
