Uruguay votes for new president

Uruguay is set to elect a new president to succeed outgoing leader Jose Mujica who is barred by the constitution from running for a second term.

Former President Tabare Vazquez of the Broad Front, Mr Mujica's left-leaning party, is ahead in opinion polls.

But neither he nor his main challenger, Luis Lacalle Pou of the right-wing National Party, is expected to win outright without a second round.

Pedro Bordaberry of the Colorado Party is trailing a distant third.

Uruguayans will cast ballots for president, vice-president and members of parliament at the same time. The Broad Front could lose its current majority in Congress.

They will also vote in a controversial referendum on whether to lower the age at which a person can be criminally charged as an adult from 18 to 16.

Popular president

Mr Mujica remains popular after leading Uruguay through economy growth and wage rises, but he is barred by the constitution from running for a second consecutive term.

His government was behind social reforms such as the legalisation of marijuana, abortion and gay marriage.

Outgoing President Jose Mujica, who gives away most of his salary, remains popular in Uruguay

But critics say it has failed to deal with problems in education, security and environmental protection.

Polls will open from 08:00 local (10:00 GMT) to 19:30 (21:30 GMT).

If no candidate obtains the 50.1% needed to avoid a second round, Uruguayans will choose between the two leading candidates on 30 November.

Tabare Vazquez served as president of Uruguay in 2005-2010 while Luis Lacalle Pou is the son of a former president.

Uruguay votes for new president

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