Uruguayans to elect new president

Uruguayans will go to the polls to elect their next president in a close contest between former President Tabara Vazquez and his rival Luis Alberto Lacalle Pou.

Polling stations are scheduled to open at 0900 and close at 2030 GMT on Sunday.

Until recently, Vazquez was expected to have the majority of the votes. However, latest polls show a runoff on November 30 is more probable as no candidate could gain the majority of the votes in the first round of the election.

The most recent opinion poll gave Vazquez over 40 percent support, while Lacalle Pou had 32 percent.

The third candidate, Pedro Bordaberry, garnered some 15 percent support in the poll.

Lacalle Pou, however, could have more chance to win in the runoff since he enjoys the support of other center-right parties.

Vazquez, 74, is an oncologist who served as president from 2005 to 2010. He is campaigning on the platform of reducing poverty, improving education and working conditions, and expanding welfare coverage.

Lacalle Pou, a 41-year-old lawyer and legislator, is a son of former President Luis Alberto Lacalle, who was president between 1990 and 1995. Having served as the president of the Chamber of Deputies in 2011, he is considered as a moderate conservative.

Outgoing President Jose Mujica, who is barred from running for a second consecutive term by the constitution, has a popularity rating of 62 percent.

The South American country of 3.3 million has a developing economy thanks largely to Mujica’s programs.

MSM/NN/AS