lucky fish UCF coach Gus Malzahn reportedly resigning to take Florida State OC jobDEADLINE ALERT: Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Investigates Claims On Behalf Of Investors Of Lilium N.V.

( MENAFN - VMR News) The global Carbon Fiber Bike market is poised for significant growth, driven by advancements in technology and changing consumer preferences towards fitness and sustainability. While challenges like high costs persist, increasing government support and innovative solutions are expected to bridge the gap, making carbon fiber bikes more accessible across demographics. The global carbon fiber bike market is witnessing significant growth, fueled by increasing consumer interest in lightweight, durable, and high-performance bicycles. Carbon fiber bikes are preferred for their superior strength-to-weight ratio, providing competitive advantages for cycling enthusiasts, racers, and adventure seekers. This report delves into the market dynamics, trends, and forecasts for the carbon fiber bike industry from 2023 to 2032. Get more information on“Global Carbon Fiber Bike Market Research Report” by requesting FREE Sample Copy at Market Segmentation By Type By Application Regional Analysis North America The region leads in demand for high-performance carbon fiber bikes due to a well-established cycling culture, organized racing events, and growing health consciousness. Europe Europe showcases robust growth, particularly in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and France, where cycling is ingrained in urban transportation and recreational activities. Asia-Pacific Emerging economies like China and India are witnessing increasing adoption of carbon fiber bikes due to rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and growing fitness trends. Rest of the World Regions like South America and the Middle East are showing potential growth due to increasing awareness of health and eco-friendly transport solutions. Industry Trends Market Dynamics Drivers Challenges Market Size and Forecast (2023-2032) The global carbon fiber bike market is projected to grow at a CAGR of X.X% during the forecast period, reaching a market value of approximately $X billion by 2032 . Factors such as technological advancements, growing environmental concerns, and increased participation in cycling activities will drive this growth. Browse Global Carbon Fiber Bike Market Research Report with detailed TOC at Competitive Landscape Prominent players in the market include: These companies are focusing on product innovation, partnerships, and expansions to maintain competitive advantage. MENAFN30112024004588010304ID1108941705 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Ares Capital: Sustained Improvement In Risk Profile

Falcons visit Vikings as a struggling Cousins returns to old home to find a thriving Darnold

Regina’s Executive Committee unanimously approved a plan Wednesday to apply for federal funding related to addressing homeless encampments. "The city is required to submit a Community Encampment Response Plan (CERB) which basically outlines what we will spend the money on," City Manager Niki Anderson explained to councillors. In September, the federal ministry of housing offered provinces funding to address homelessness as part of the “Solving the Housing Crisis” plan. However, Minister Sean Fraser said in October, Saskatchewan had not responded to negotiate a deal. Fraser’s office confirmed Thursday the province recently reached out but not until after the deadline had passed. "We have begun discussions with municipalities in Saskatchewan to get funding to communities as soon as possible,” a statement to CTV News read. “To restart the work being done by going back to the province after our deadline would further delay funding for encampments at a critical time." "We hope Saskatchewan will also provide funding for addressing encampments in their communities," the statement went on to say. Sask. Minister of Social Services Terry Jenson said the province did express their interest in joining the program. “We did respond to the [September] letter prior to the election [being called],” he told reporters Thursday. “The ministry was in touch throughout the campaign and everything was fine.” “Up until now, I hadn't even heard that wasn't going to be the case,” Jenson added. City administration says they’ve negotiated a deal worth just over $3.5 million over the next two years. "This funding is matching dollars," Anderson said. "The federal government has allowed us to recognize funds already invested." Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski told reporters after Wednesday’s meeting that the grant is vital to addressing the city’s growing housing crisis. “We’re looking to take advantage of whatever we have in front of us,” he said. “We need to get it on the books and in the right people’s hands so we can support those programs.” The grant ends in 2026 and the city’s final application must be tied to approved initiatives. “Therefore, we focused on initiatives that would not require high levels of sustainable funding after 2026,” Anderson said. “But rather, [we] put forward initiatives that either focused on one-time capital improvements or initiatives which require immediate expansion.” Administration identified renovations to the recently approved permanent shelter at the former Eagle’s Club, expanding the Regina Street Team, addressing encampment enforcement and the potential of adding a second emergency shelter location as their targeted initiatives. “We were already having conversations for this upcoming budget about, ‘How will this be funded?’ Frankly, this helped put a solution right in front of us when we didn't have one,” Anderson said. The plan requires approval from City Council on Dec. 11 before being sent to the federal government, who will approve the grant sometime after.

Stanford, Maxime Raynaud too much for Cal as Cardinal win on road

COLEEN Rooney has boasted how lovestruck hubby Wayne has often written her poems. The mum of four told her I’m A Celeb campmate GK Barry that despite his tough image on the pitch, the England footie legend was a softie off it. And despite the ups and downs of their 16-year marriage — and him spending long ­periods away from home in his new job as Plymouth Argyle manager — she says they remain as strong as ever. Coleen said: “Wayne’s always wrote me poems. “You know the hotel pads? He was always writing a little poem and putting it in his bag and he’d give it to me when we got home. "They’re nice to keep but I can’t remember the last time he gave me one . . . “He is romantic in ways, we’re not the lovey-dovey couple in public but little things like that I think it keeps the ­relationship alive and it’s ­special when someone’s done something just for you, and the words mean something.” Earlier, Coleen told dancer Oti Mabuse how they had ­survived as a couple despite Wayne admitting to a string of infidelities since they first met as teens in home city Liverpool. She said: “All he wanted to do was play football. He struggled with the fame side of it, he hated that. “If he could’ve just played football and had none of the fame, I think he would’ve been happier within life. He’s made mistakes along the way, but from 16, obviously you’re going to, that’s life. “We had to grow up quick, because we were living in the public eye.” And she insisted that while forgiving some of his past behaviour has been difficult, the couple, remain steadfast in their love. She added: “It has been difficult, but we’re happy now, after all those years . . . we’re a team.” Meanwhile back home, Wayne has been prowling the touchline of his sons’ footie games after stepping into Coleen’s “soccer mom” role. The former Everton and Manchester United ace usually only watches Kai and Klay play occasionally as he does not like the added pressure him being there can bring to them. Coleen spent her last day before heading to Australia cheering on Klay, 11, as he played for a United’s kids’ team. Wayne’s always wrote me poems But now Wazza has stepped up, and was at United’s training ground watching Kai, 15, play for the academy last weekend. And he has told the boys he will get to as many games as he can while Coleen is in the jungle, despite having to spend several nights away each week in Devon due to his commitments managing Championship side Plymouth. A source said: “Wayne isn’t a regular at his son’s games because it can create a bit of excitement on the touchline and he doesn’t want the boys to feel any pressure while playing. “But with Coleen away, he’s told the lads he will come to as many games as he can. “He’s joked that the added bonus is it gets him away from his in-laws, who are helping look after the kids.” i'm A Celebrity is back for its 24th series, with a batch of famous faces living in the Aussie jungle. The Sun's Jake Penkethman takes a look at the stars on the show this year.. Coleen Rooney - Arguably the most famous name in the camp, the leading WAG, known for her marriage to Wayne Rooney , has made a grand return to TV as she looks to put the Wagatha Christie scandal behind her. The Sun revealed the mum-of-four had bagged an eye-watering deal worth over £1.5million to be on the show this year making her the highest-paid contestant ever. Tulisa - The popstar and former X Factor judge has made her triumphant TV comeback by signing up to this year's I'm A Celeb after shunning TV shows for many years. Known for being a member of the trio, N-Dubz, Tulisa became a household name back in 2011 when she signed on to replace Cheryl on ITV show The X Factor in a multi-million pound deal. Alan Halsall - The actor, known for playing the long-running role of Tyrone Dobbs on ITV soap opera Coronation Street, was originally signed up to head Down Under last year but an operation threw his scheduled appearance off-course. Now he has become the latest Corrie star to win over both the viewers and his fellow celebrities. Melvin Odoom - The Radio DJ has become a regular face on TV screens after rising to fame with presenting roles on Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1 and 4Music. Melvin has already been for a spin on the Strictly dancefloor and co-hosted The Xtra Factor with Rochelle Humes in 2015 but now he is facing up to his biggest challenge yet - the Aussie jungle . GK Barry - The UK's biggest social media personality, GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has transformed her TikTok stardom into a lucrative career. Aside from her popular social media channels, she hosts the weekly podcast, Saving Grace, and regularly appears on ITV talk show, Loose Women. She has even gone on to endorse popular brands such as PrettyLittleThing, KFC and Ann Summers. Dean McCullough - A rising star amongst this year's bunch of celebs , Dean first achieved notability through his radio appearances on Gaydio and BBC Radio 1. He was chosen to join the BBC station permanently in 2021 and has featured prominently ever since. He has enjoyed a crossover to ITV over the past year thanks to his guest slots on Big Brother spin-off show, Late & Live. Oti Mabuse - The pro dancer has signed up to her latest TV show after making her way through the biggest programmes on the box. She originally found fame on Strictly Come Dancing but has since branched out into the world of TV judging with appearances on former BBC show The Greatest Dancer as well as her current role on ITV's Dancing On Ice . Danny Jones - The McFly star was drafted into the programme last minute as a replacement for Tommy Fury. Danny is the second member of McFly to enter the jungle , after Dougie Poynter won the show in 2011. He is also considered a rising star on ITV as he's now one of the mentors on their Saturday night talent show, The Voice , along with bandmate Tom Fletcher. Jane Moore - The Loose Women star and The Sun columnist is braving the creepy crawlies this year. The star is ready for a new challenge - having recently split from her husband . It will be Jane's first foray into reality TV with the telly favourite having always said no to reality shows in the past. Barry McGuigan - Former pro boxer Barry is the latest fighting champ to head Down Under following in the footsteps of Tony Bellew and Amir Khan. It comes after a tough few years for Irish star Barry, who lost his daughter Danika to bowel cancer . He told The Late Late Show in 2021: "She was such an intrinsic part of the family that every day we ache." Maura Higgins - The Irish TV beauty first found fame on Love Island where she found a brief connection with dancer Curtis Pritchard . Since then, she has competed on Dancing On Ice as well as hosting the Irish version of the beauty contest, Glow Up. Since last year, she has been working on building up her career in the US by being the social media correspondent and host of Aftersun to accompany Love Island USA. She even guest hosted an episode of the spin-off, Love Island Games, in place of Maya Jama last year. Rev. Richard Coles - Former BBC radio host the Rev Richard Coles is a late arrival on I’m A Celebrity , and he's ready to spill the beans on his former employer. The former Communards and Strictly star , said the BBC did not know its a**e from its elbow last year. An insider said: "Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth."

None

Joker: Folie à Deux OTT release: How to watch Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga movie - check dates and other details

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — An Israeli hospital says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery. Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center said his prostate was removed late Sunday. Netanyahu was placed under full anesthesia for the procedure. Doctors said he was awake and recovering Sunday night. Netanyahu’s office had said Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, would serve as acting prime minister during the procedure. Doctors ordered the operation after detecting an infection last week. Netanyahu is expected to remain hospitalized for several days. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is having his prostate removed on Sunday, his office said, a procedure that comes as he manages multiple crises including the war in Gaza and his trial for alleged corruption . Netanyahu, who has had a series of health issues in recent years, has gone to great lengths to bolster a public image of himself as a healthy, energetic leader. During his trial this month, he boasted about working 18-hour days, accompanied by a cigar. But as Israel’s longest-serving leader, such a grueling workload over a total of 17 years in power could take a toll on his well-being. Netanyahu, 75, is among older world leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden, 82 , President-elect Donald Trump, 78 , Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva , 79, and Pope Francis , 88, who have come under scrutiny for their age and health issues. Netanyahu’s latest condition is common in older men, but the procedure has had some fallout. The judges overseeing his trial accepted a request from his lawyer on Sunday to call off three days of testimony scheduled this week. The lawyer, Amit Hadad, had argued that Netanyahu would be fully sedated for the procedure and hospitalized for “a number of days.” Netanyahu’s office said Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, would serve as acting prime minister during the procedure. With so much at stake, Netanyahu’s health in wartime is a concern for both Israelis and the wider world. A turbulent time in the region As Israel’s leader, Netanyahu is at the center of major global events that are shifting the Middle East . With the dizzying pace of the past 14 months, being incapacitated for even a few hours can be risky. Netanyahu will be in the hospital at a time when international mediators are pushing Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and as fighting between Israel and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels intensifies . Prostate issues are common and in many cases easily treatable. Still, the procedure puts a dent in Netanyahu’s image of vigor at a time when he would want to project strength more than ever, both to an Israeli audience navigating constant threats as well as to Israel’s enemies looking to expose its weaknesses. Previous health issues, including a heart condition Netanyahu insists he is in excellent health. His office releases footage of him touring war zones in full protective gear flanked by military officers, or meeting with defense officials on windswept hilltops in youthful dark shades and puffer jackets. But that image was shattered last year when Netanyahu’s doctors revealed that he had a heart condition , a problem that he had apparently long known about but concealed from the public. A week after a fainting spell, Netanyahu was fitted with a pacemaker to control his heartbeat. Only then did staff at the Sheba Medical Center reveal that Netanyahu has for years experienced a condition that can cause irregular heartbeats. The revelation came as Netanyahu was dealing with massive anti-government protests. The news about a chronic heart problem stoked further anger and distrust during extreme political polarization in Israel. Last year, Netanyahu was rushed to the hospital for what doctors said likely was dehydration . He stayed overnight, prompting his weekly Cabinet meeting to be delayed. Earlier this year, Netanyahu underwent hernia surgery , during which he was under full anesthesia and unconscious. Levin served as acting prime minister during the operation. Recovery can be quick According to Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli leader was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection on Wednesday stemming from a benign enlargement of his prostate. The infection was treated successfully with antibiotics, but Sunday’s procedure will remove his prostate. Complications from prostate enlargement are common in men in their 70s and 80s, Dr. Shay Golan, head of the oncology urology service at Israel’s Rabin Medical Center, told Israeli Army Radio. Golan spoke in general terms and was not involved in Netanyahu’s care or treatment. He said an enlarged prostate can block proper emptying of the bladder, leading to a build-up of urine that can lead to an infection or other complications. After medicinal treatment, doctors can recommend a procedure to remove the prostate to prevent future blockages, Golan said. In Netanyahu’s case, because the prostate is not cancerous, Golan said doctors will likely perform an endoscopic surgery, carried out by inserting small instruments into a body cavity, rather than making surgical cuts in the abdomen to reach the prostate. The procedure lasts about an hour, Golan said, and recovery is quick. He said that aside from catheter use for one to three days after the procedure, patients can return to normal activity without significant limitations. Tia Goldenberg, The Associated PressMagic F Franz Wagner (torn oblique) out indefinitely

Home entertainment holiday gift ideas at a discount

Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame’s heart from beating again. With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the cathedral roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze engulfed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches. While the ceremony was initially planned to begin on the forecourt, unusually fierce December winds whipping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine, forced all events inside. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies. The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. For President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious five-year restoration timeline, it was a rare moment of unity amid profound political crises and threats to his presidential legacy—a clear pivot to elevate the celebration into a fully fledged diplomatic event. The reopening comes at a time of global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. Amid this backdrop of division, the cathedral’s resurrection emerged as a rare symbol of resilience and unity. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument—it is a magnificent sign of hope,” said its rector, the Rev. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas. “What seemed impossible has become possible.” The gathering of world leaders reflected the cathedral’s significance as a sanctuary of shared heritage and a reminder of the enduring power of faith. Ukrainian pastor Andriy Morkvas, attending his first Mass at Notre Dame in over a decade, found hope in the cathedral’s rebirth. “God is powerful; He can change things,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help resolve our conflict.” Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedral’s ability to inspire. “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back,” Alexandria said. “Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.” Guests entered through Notre Dame’s iconic western façade, whose arched portals adorned with biblical carvings were once a visual guide for medieval believers. Above the central Portal of the Last Judgment, the Archangel Michael is depicted weighing souls, as demons attempt to tip the scales. These stone figures, designed to inspire both awe and fear, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history. Inside, the hum of hundreds of guests awaiting the service filled the cathedral with human sounds once more—a stark contrast to the construction din that echoed there for years. Tuners restoring the great organ often worked through the night to find the silence needed to perfect its 7,952 pipes, ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide. Notre Dame’s revival is a story of global collaboration and determination. Over 42,000 square meters of stonework—an area equal to six soccer fields—were cleaned, revealing luminous limestone and intricate carvings long cloaked in soot. Above the nave, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” were used to rebuild the spire and roof, restoring the cathedral’s iconic silhouette. “It’s night and day,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, which raised nearly half of the €900 million ($950 million) in donations for the restoration. “When I last saw it in 2021, it was filled with scaffolding. Now, it’s perfection.” The cathedral’s thunderous great organ, with its newly renovated console boasting five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, resounded for the first time since the fire, echoing as a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s identity. The ceremony began with Ulrich symbolically reopening Notre Dame’s grand wooden doors, tapping them three times with his fire-scarred crosier. Psalms and hymns echoed through the cathedral’s hallowed halls, culminating in an organ performance by four world-class musicians. Adding to the ceremony’s visual splendor, Archbishop Ulrich and the clergy donned vibrant liturgical garments designed by renowned French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Known for his eye-popping pop-art aesthetic, Castelbajac crafted 2,000 colorful pieces for 700 celebrants, blending modern elements with medieval touches. A star-studded prerecorded concert featured luminaries like pianist Lang Lang, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and soprano Pretty Yende. Their performances offered a universal message of harmony, celebrating the cathedral’s resurrection and its role as a sanctuary of faith and art. Amid the grandeur, personal stories of faith punctuated the evening. Huguette Euphrasie, attending with her cancer-stricken mother, gazed at the cathedral’s illuminated towers. “It has huge spiritual value for me,” she said. “It’s very moving.” For Patricia and Cyrille Brenner, who traveled overnight from Cannes, the reopening felt like a pilgrimage. “You have to be there to experience it,” Patricia said, comparing it to the Cannes Film Festival. Her husband added, “The fire was a call to renew our faith.” For Macron, the reopening offered a rare reprieve from political turmoil. Just days earlier, his government collapsed in a historic no-confidence vote, plunging France into uncertainty. Macron described the reopening as “a jolt of hope,” framing it as a testament to France’s resilience and unity. The achievement of restoring Notre Dame within five years—a timeline dismissed as overly ambitious by many—was a political win for Macron. Yet, as he addressed the gathering inside the cathedral, his speech highlighted not just the success of the restoration but also France’s enduring spirit amid adversity. Security was tight, echoing measures seen during the Paris Olympics. Police vans and soldiers in body armor patrolled embankments, while a special detail followed President-elect Donald Trump. Public viewing areas along the Seine accommodated 40,000 spectators, who watched the ceremonies unfold on large screens. For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one. After the reopening, the cathedral is expected to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire. As the evening drew to a close, the cathedral stood as a testament to what collective will and faith can achieve. “It’s the soul of Paris,” Dumas said. “And tonight, its heart beats again.” Sylvie Corbet, Yesica Brumec, Marine Lesprit and Mark Carlson in Paris contributed. Associated Press religion coverage receives support through The AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.Strictly fans have been left fearing for a favourite contestant after they danced in the "death slot" on Saturday night's show. Olympian Montell Douglas was second to perform on the hit BBC show on Saturday, following on from Miranda star Sarah Hadland, but her turn had viewers worrying. One social media user posted on X: "Death slot rumba I fear for Montell #strictly ." Another wrote: "Montell doing a rumba in the death slot, this is just mean now... #Strictly " Another social media user said "It's so over" after posting: "Oh Montell in the death slot." Montell faced criticism from the judges after performing to a song from Tony-winning The Colour Purple. Craig remarked: "It was very slow...I felt it lost a little bit of fluidity and ooze when you fell still...I felt we were just getting snapshots of still pictures." Get all the latest celebrity and TV news straight to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter here. However, she was also given praise from head judge Shirley Ballas, who said "You are absolutely 100 per cent sure footed...Didn't wobble, your balance was outstanding...That was a very, very lovely rumba." Montell, alongside the other contestants, is hoping for a place in next week's semi-final after surviving the Dance Off last week for a second time. In her VT training with professional Johannes, she spoke of the pressure and said: "It's like a cup having a little chip and waiting for it to all break." She went on to score 32 before Love Island star Tasha Ghouri took to the dancefloor. Viewers will have to wait until Sunday's show to find out who makes it to the semi-final. Get all the latest big and breaking Yorkshire news straight to your mobile via WhatsApp by clicking here . If you don’t like our community, you can leave any time. We also treat members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Read our privacy notice here .

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Balloting in Uruguay’s runoff election came to a close on Sunday, starting a countdown to the announcement of official results in a tight battle for the presidency between the conservative ruling coalition candidate and his left-wing challenger. Independent polling firms will start releasing so-called quick counts now that polls have closed, but the official results are not likely to be released for hours. Depending on how tight the vote turns out to be, electoral officials may not call the race for days, as happened in the contentious 2019 runoff that brought center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou to office and ended 15 years of rule by Uruguay’s center-left Broad Front coalition. Though polls show Uruguayans largely satisfied with the current government’s performance, complaints about sluggish growth, persistent violent crime and stagnant wages could add Uruguay to a long list of countries where frustrated voters have punished incumbents in elections around the world this year. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Uruguayans went to the polls Sunday for a second round of voting to choose their next president , with the conservative governing party and the left-leaning coalition locked in a close runoff after failing to win an outright majority in last month's vote . The staid election has turned into a hard-fought race between Álvaro Delgado, the incumbent party's candidate, and Yamandú Orsi from the Broad Front, a coalition of leftist and center-left parties that governed for 15 years until the 2019 victory of center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou . The Broad Front oversaw the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage and the sale of marijuana in the small South American nation of 3.4 million people. Orsi's Broad Front took 44% of the vote while Delgado's National Party won 27% in the first round of voting Oct. 27. But other conservative parties that make up the government coalition — in particular, the Colorado Party — notched 20% of the vote collectively, enough to give Delgado an edge over his challenger. Congress ended up evenly split in the October vote. Most polls have shown a virtual tie between Delgado and Orsi, with nearly 10% of Uruguayan voters undecided even at this late stage. Many said they believed turnout would be low if voting weren't compulsory in the country. “Neither candidate convinced me and I feel that there are many in my same situation," said Vanesa Gelezoglo, 31, in the capital, Montevideo, adding she would make up her mind at “the last minute.” Analysts say the candidates' lackluster campaigns and broad consensus on key issues have generated extraordinary indecision and apathy in an election dominated by discussions about social spending and concerns over income inequality but largely free of the anti-establishment rage that has vaulted populist outsiders to power elsewhere . “The question of whether Frente Amplio (the Broad Front) raises taxes is not an existential question, unlike what we saw in the U.S. with Trump and Kamala framing each other as threats to democracy," said Nicolás Saldías, a Latin America and Caribbean senior analyst for the London-based Economist Intelligence Unit. “That doesn't exist in Uruguay.” Both candidates are also appealing to voter angst over a surge in violent crime that has shaken a nation long regarded as one of the region’s safest, with Delgado promising tough-on-crime policies and Orsi advocating a more community-oriented approach. Delgado, 55, a rural veterinarian with a long career in the National Party, campaigned on a vow to continue the legacy of current President Lacalle Pou — in some ways making the election into a referendum on his leadership. He campaigned under the slogan “re-elect a good government." While a string of corruption scandals rattled Lacalle Pou's government last year, the president — who constitutionally cannot run for a second consecutive term — now enjoys high approval ratings and a strong economy expected to grow 3.2% this year, according to the International Monetary Fund. Inflation has also eased in recent months, boosting his coalition. Delgado served most recently as Secretary of the Presidency for Lacalle Pou and promises to pursue his predecessor's pro-business policies. He would continue pushing for a trade deal with China that has raised hackles in Mercosur, an alliance of South American countries promoting regional commerce. "We have to give the government coalition a chance to consolidate its proposals,” said Ramiro Pérez, a street vendor voting for Delgado on Sunday. Orsi, 57, a former history teacher and two-time mayor from a working-class background, is widely seen as the political heir to iconic former President José “Pepe” Mujica , an ex-Marxist guerilla who raised Uruguay's international profile as one of the region's most socially liberal and environmentally sustainable nations during his 2010-2015 term. “He's my candidate, not only for my sake but also for my children's,” Yeny Varone, a nurse, said of Orsi. “In the future they'll have better working conditions, health and salaries.” Mujica, now 89 and recovering from esophageal cancer , was among the first to cast his ballot after polls opened. “Uruguay is a small country, but it has earned recognition for being stable, for having a citizenry that respects institutional formalities,” he told reporters from his local polling station. “This is no small feat.” While promising to forge a “new left” in Uruguay, Orsi plans no dramatic changes. He proposes tax incentives to lure investment and social security reforms that would lower the retirement age but fall short of a radical overhaul sought by Uruguay's unions. The contentious plebiscite on whether to boost pension payouts failed to pass in October, with Uruguayans rejecting generous pensions in favor of fiscal constraint. Both candidates pledged full cooperation with each other if elected. “I want (Orsi) to know that my idea is to form a government of national unity,” Delgado told reporters after casting his vote in the capital's upscale Pocitos neighborhood. He said that if he won, he and Orsi would chat on Monday over some yerba mate, the traditional herbal drink beloved by Uruguayans. Orsi similarly pledged a smooth and respectful transition of power, describing Sunday's democratic exercise as “an incredible experience" as he voted in Canelones, the sprawling town of beaches and cattle ranches just north of Montevideo where he served as mayor for a decade. “The essence of politics is agreements,” he said. “You never end up completely satisfied.” Associated Press writer Isabel DeBre in Villa Tunari, Bolivia, contributed to this report.None