The candidate of the conservative coalition that has governed for the past five years conceded defeat after a tight runoff, as Uruguay joined others around the world in rebuking the incumbent party in a year of landmark elections.

Yamandu Orsi has won the presidency of Uruguay, ending five years of conservative leadership. His victory signals a return to left-wing governance in the country.

Left-wing candidate Yamandu Orsi was projected to win Uruguay's presidential election, media reported Sunday, in a rebuke by voters of five years of conservative rule.