Uruguay debates leadership ahead of election

On the streets of Montevideo, Uruguayans debate who will be the best choice to lead the country ahead of the upcoming first-round of a presidential election.

Among the candidates are Uruguayan Alvaro Delgado, a 55-year-old former senator and the conservative ruling coalition's continuity candidate for president, center-left poll frontrunner Yamandu Orsi, and upstart conservative lawyer Andres Ojeda, in third place, gaining ground on the leaders with a vibrant social media-driven campaign and who has pledged to support Delgado if knocked out.

Delgado has played up his credentials as the continuity and stability candidate. He wants to push ahead the current government's aims for free trade deals including with China, hold taxes down and deepen a fight against organized crime. He wants more video surveillance and a larger police force to increase security, a key voter concern. At the same time, he needs to address accusations of corruption that have hit the government's popularity.

Other voters are leaning towards change and say they will give their support to the Frente Amplio candidate, Yamandu Orsi, because they believe that the current government of Luis Lacalle Pou has not been able to respond to the needs of Uruguayans.

Orsi has sought to reassure voters that he does not plan a sharp political shift in the traditionally moderate and relatively wealthy nation of 3.5 million people that is known for its beaches, legal cannabis and stable economy.

He has backing from leftist icon Jose "Pepe" Mujica, a former rebel-turned-president, but also moderate groups who like his business-friendly tone. Unlike many other countries in the region, Uruguay has rarely had divisive politics.

Pollsters see Orsi well ahead, but not winning outright, which would mean a November 24 second round run-off.