Uruguayans on Sunday voted in the second round of the country's presidential election, with the conservative governing party and a left-leaning coalition locked in a close runoff following level-headed campaigns widely seen as emblematic of the country's strong democracy.

The runoff election in South America's laid-back Uruguay, known for its beaches, legalized marijuana and stability, saw opposition center-left candidate Yamandu Orsi take on continuity conservative runner, Alvaro Delgado, who had the backing of a third-placed ally.

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.