Uruguay’s presidential election is set for a runoff next month as center-left candidate Yamandú Orsi emerged as the front-runner in Sunday’s first-round vote, coming ahead of two conservative contenders who split the conservative vote. Orsi, a former mayor and history teacher, received approximately 1.06 million votes, outpacing Álvaro Delgado, the ruling coalition’s conservative candidate, who secured 644,147 votes. In third place was conservative Andrés Ojeda with 385,685 votes, who has since pledged his support to Delgado.

The second round, scheduled for November 24, will be a tight contest, as no candidate managed to surpass the 50% threshold required for an outright victory. This sets up a polarized showdown between the center-left Broad Front, led by Orsi, and the combined conservative forces under Delgado.

Orsi’s campaign energized supporters in Montevideo as he addressed a crowd, emphasizing the Broad Front’s longstanding popularity. “The Broad Front is once again the most voted party in Uruguay,” he said, rallying his base for the intense 27-day lead-up to the runoff. Broad Front backers are hopeful that Orsi’s win could bring progressive policies focused on economic growth and wealth distribution.

Delgado, however, remained optimistic about his chances, asserting that Uruguay’s choice has been distilled to two clear alternatives. He presented himself as the candidate of continuity and stability, a sentiment shared by many conservative voters, especially in rural regions like Treinta y Tres.

Adding to the political tension was a rejected plebiscite on pension reform. This hotly debated proposal aimed to lower the retirement age by five years and transition from private pension funds to a public system. Critics argued that such a change would place additional debt burdens on the state and risk Uruguay’s investment-grade credit rating. The proposal’s failure leaves uncertainty in the country’s pension system and reflects a broader hesitation toward radical financial reforms among Uruguay’s 3.4 million citizens.

As the runoff approaches, voters face a stark choice: Orsi’s platform of social reforms versus Delgado’s promise of stability. The election outcome could mark a significant shift in Uruguay’s traditionally moderate political landscape, with both sides gearing up for a close and decisive contest.