Yazman
2nd December 2009, 06:35
Source: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2009/11/2009113004324607486.html
Snippet from source:
Luis Lacalle, a former president of Uruguay, has conceded defeat in the country's presidential run-off after exit polls showed a former rebel securing the majority of the vote.
Polls following Sunday's election showed Lacalle's rival, Jose Mujica, a blunt-talking former senator and one time leftist guerrilla fighter, leading with more than 51 per cent of the vote.
The run-off was called after neither candidate won an absolute majority in the first-round of voting in October.
Lacalle, a 68-year-year-old lawyer who was president from 1990 to 1995, campaigned on pledges to shrink the size of government and reduce crime.
His rival Mujica, 74, vowed to continue the policies of Tabare Vazquez, the popular outgoing president, and work to unify Latin Americans after taking office beginning March 1.
Moderate stance
"Comrades! This is an inside-out world! You should be up here and us down there, because the people gave us this victory!" he said in a brief, enthusiastic victory speech as rain poured over thousands of supporters in the capital, Montevideo.
He said he aims to emulate Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the populist Brazilian president, in implementing more moderate policies, and thanked Vazquez, each of his rivals and all his "brothers" across the continent.
I don't know as much about Uruguay as I should. Perhaps some of the others here can provide more info and insight as to what this development means. I am not so sure emulating Lula is a good thing.. I would rather he emulate Correa :P
Thoughts on this?
Snippet from source:
Luis Lacalle, a former president of Uruguay, has conceded defeat in the country's presidential run-off after exit polls showed a former rebel securing the majority of the vote.
Polls following Sunday's election showed Lacalle's rival, Jose Mujica, a blunt-talking former senator and one time leftist guerrilla fighter, leading with more than 51 per cent of the vote.
The run-off was called after neither candidate won an absolute majority in the first-round of voting in October.
Lacalle, a 68-year-year-old lawyer who was president from 1990 to 1995, campaigned on pledges to shrink the size of government and reduce crime.
His rival Mujica, 74, vowed to continue the policies of Tabare Vazquez, the popular outgoing president, and work to unify Latin Americans after taking office beginning March 1.
Moderate stance
"Comrades! This is an inside-out world! You should be up here and us down there, because the people gave us this victory!" he said in a brief, enthusiastic victory speech as rain poured over thousands of supporters in the capital, Montevideo.
He said he aims to emulate Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the populist Brazilian president, in implementing more moderate policies, and thanked Vazquez, each of his rivals and all his "brothers" across the continent.
I don't know as much about Uruguay as I should. Perhaps some of the others here can provide more info and insight as to what this development means. I am not so sure emulating Lula is a good thing.. I would rather he emulate Correa :P
Thoughts on this?