MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Bordaberry pledges support for Lacalle Pou in the 30 November runoff

The Colorado party lider next to Lacalle Pou (L) announcing he would support the National party in the November runoff.

Pedro Bordaberry, the Colorado party presidential candidate who did not make it to the runoff in Uruguay's Sunday election, announced the country 'urgently needs changes' and in this new scenario National party candidate Luis Lacalle Pou is the option.

 In other words Bordaberry will join forces with Lacalle Pou on 30 November against the ruling coalition Broad Front presidential candidate Tabare Vazquez.

Bordaberry who came in third behind Vazquez and Lacalle Pou, made the announcement in his party's headquarters after admitting defeat and talking to the winning candidates, Tabare Vazquez and Lacalle Pou.

“We need changes in all of the country. I'm convinced that all Uruguayans, or at the least the great majority feel we need changes in citizens' security policies, in education. Today the balottage picked two candidates, Tabare Vazquez and Lacalle Pou, and in my opinion who represents those changes we need is Lacalle Pou. That is why in the next 34 days I will work every hour so that Lacalle Pou, who represents those changes wins the run-off. I'm doing it convinced this is the best for my country and for all Uruguayans, Uruguay needs a change and change must come” insisted Bordaberry in his defeat acceptance speech to his followers.

However he underlined this was a very personal attitude since the Colorado party executive board would be meeting in the next 48 hours to decide on the matter.

“This was not the elections' result we were expecting and thus we are not satisfied with the votes garnered by the Colorado party or for the initiative to lower the criminal responsibility age”, said Bordaberry.

But “the voice of one million Uruguayans must be listened because they are demanding that the State protects them and allows to live again in peace. Uruguay is demanding changes and we must ensure that they receive them”

Finally Bordaberry read a quote from Teddy Roosevelt to indicate he's still in the battle despite defeat, and left to meet Lacalle Pou and publicly express support for the National Party candidate in the November runoff.