MONTEVIDEO: Uruguayans voted yesterday in a presidential election that has the leftist ruling coalition battling to hold onto power for a third term and fend off a young center-right contender who promises to undo its pioneering marijuana law.
The Broad Front coalition has delivered a decade of strong economic growth and outgoing President Jose Mujica’s social reforms, including the legalization of the production and sale of marijuana, have drawn global attention.
Uruguay’s constitution does not allow two consecutive terms so Mujica, a 79-year-old former guerrilla who spurned the presidential palace to continue living in his ramshackle home, hopes to hand power to Tabare Vazquez, his predecessor and ally. Vazquez faces stiff competition from Luis Lacalle Pou, 41, who has climbed steadily in polls since his unexpected victory in his National Party’s primaries.Reuters
