Tabaré Vázquez wins Uruguay’s presidential election

Tabare Vazquez easily won Uruguay’s presidential election on Sunday, returning to power a left-leaning coalition that has helped legalise gay marriage and moved to create the world’s first state-run marijuana marketplace

1 December 2014, 9:10am

2 min read

Outgoing president Jose Mujica with lnew president Tabare Vasquez

Former President Tabaré Vázquez easily won Uruguay’s presidential election on Sunday, putting the country on course to continue many of the progressive policies pushed by departing President José “Pepe” Mujica.

With most of the ballots counted, Vázquez, a 74-year-old oncologist, had won about 53% of the vote, compared with around 41% for conservative National Party candidate Luis Alberto Lacalle Pou, according to official results. Lacalle Pou later admitted defeat.

Vázquez, who represents Mujica’s left-wing Broad Front coalition, has vowed to boost the economy, fight crime and improve deteriorating schools. But his victory also points to continuity in other public policies, including a controversial marijuana law passed in 2013.

Mujica was barred by the constitution from running for a second consecutive term. Vazquez, who was president in 2005-10, won the first round of voting in October, when he had gained more than 46% of the vote but it was not enough for an outright majority.

Speaking late on Sunday, Vazquez called on the opposition to join him in a national accord to tackle the key issues the country was facing.

"I want to be able to count on all Uruguayans, but not so that they follow me but so that they guide me, accompany me," he said.

In the capital Montevideo, thousands of his cheering supporters poured into the streets to celebrate.

Vazquez, a 74-year-old cancer specialist, has pledged to boost social spending and keep the economy in its current good shape.

He also wants to reform the education system and fight crime - two of the weakest points of Mujica's government which remains popular for leading the country through a period of economic growth and introducing social reforms such as legalisation of marijuana, abortion and gay marriage.

Mujica refused to live in a palace when he became president four years ago and instead he stayed at his humble farm in the outskirts of Montevideo, where he grows his own vegetables.

His down-to-earth style has put Uruguay in the international spotlight and his shoes will be hard to fill.