Ola Uruguay Real Estate and Investments

Plastered around poles and stapled to buildings, strewn along sidewalks and stuck to car windshields, everywhere, anywhere, are flashy flyers that all seem to say the same thing: “Vote for Me!”

2009 is a big election year in Uruguay. This Sunday, in fact, primary elections are set to commence followed by presidential elections in October. 
 
Before delving any deeper, however, first things first: As a constitutional republic, Uruguay ranks among the freest and most politically stable countries in South America. Take the Economist’s 2008 Democracy Index, for example, which labeled Uruguay as the most democratic country in Latin America. In that same year, Transparency International identified Uruguay as the 25th least corrupt country worldwide. Likewise, the Global Peace Index puts Uruguay in their 25th position for 2009. 
 
Together, these numbers tell a story about Uruguay, its citizenry and their leaders. With that said, consider the following a brief overview into the political landscape of Uruguay in 2009. 
 
The Broad Front – “Frente Amplio”
As its name implies, the Broad Front is a coalition—or catchall—party dating back to 1971. Nevertheless, the party swings left-of-center. Comfortably leading the Broad Front’s internal nomination is Senator José Mujica. In fact, recent polls give Mujica a 28 percent spread over Danilo Astori, who holds about 31 percent of the vote. In either case, the Broad Front has been popular in Uruguay since Tabaré Vázquez, its leader and current President of Uruguay, took over in 2004. This was a big victory for the coalition as never before had a third party overtaken Uruguay’s traditional parties—the “Colorados” and the “Blancos.” 

The National Party – “Los Blancos”
The National Party, also known as the “White Party,” dates back to the early 1800s when the Republic of Uruguay was formed. Its primary supporters are the farmers and landowners throughout Uruguay. Of course, that hasn’t stopped the party from trying to enact freer trade policies on an international scale. Currently in a tight race for the party’s ticket in late June are former president of Uruguay, Luis Alberto Lacalle, and Senator Jorge Larrañaga. Whoever comes out on top, the National Party poses a big threat to the Broad Front’s current hold on the presidency. 

The Colorado Party – “Los Colorados”
Finally, we have the Colorado Party, which has always been a major player in Uruguayan politics… until recently, that is. Supported primarily by a liberally oriented urban class, the party is undergoing a transformation of sorts and lacks popular support. That said, Pedro Bordeberry is likely to win the party’s primary on the 28th of June. Come October, Borderberry is projected to pick up about eight percent of the popular vote. 
 
Because the Uruguayan constitution requires an absolute majority vote, there is reason to believe that October’s presidential elections may require a run-off. This would put The Broad Front in a precarious position as it will likely carry the election in October but not secure a majority vote. With this in mind, the National Party may still take the Presidency. But, of course, time will tell.