Uruguay's moderate election race bucks trend of regional political divides

Workers of the electoral court prepare to distribute voting materials for the upcoming general election, in Montevideo, Uruguay, October 25, 2024. REUTERS/Mariana Greif

MONTEVIDEO (Reuters) -Voters in Uruguay, known for its beaches, legalized marijuana and stability, went to the polls on Sunday in an election race between moderates that contrasted with the polarized politics in many other Latin American countries.

The nation of 3.4 million was voting for its next president and lawmakers, with pollsters predicting a run-off will likely be needed in November. Simultaneous referendums on pension reform and boosting police powers were more divisive.