Polling stations have closed in general elections intended to find a successor for the socialist president Tabará Vázquez.

Voters also voted in a referendum on a controversial amnesty law and elected a new parliament. Former guerilla fighter José Mújica is favourite to win the presidency. The 74-year-old politician, known as Pepe, is the candidate for the left-wing coalition Frente Amplio. His main rival is former president Luís Alberto Lacalle, for the conservative National Party.

The son of the former dictator, Pedro Bordaberry, is also standing election as the Colorado Party candidate. The first results are expected on Monday. If there is no clear winner a second round will be held on 29 November.