Politics of Uruguay

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Uruguay
This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Uruguay

President Tabaré Vázquez Vice President Rodolfo Nin Novoa General Assembly Chamber of Senators Chamber of Deputies Political parties Elections Departments Foreign relations
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Politics of Uruguay takes place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Uruguay is both head of state and head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the two chambers of the General Assembly of Uruguay. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. For most of Uruguay's history, the Colorado and National parties have alternated in power. The elections of 2004, however, brought the Encuentro Progresista-Frente Amplio-Nueva Mayoría, a coalition of socialists,former Tupamaros, communists and social democrats among others to power with majorities in both houses of parliament and the election of President Tabaré Vázquez Rosas by majority vote.

1 Constitution
2 Executive branch
3 Legislative branch
4 Political parties and elections
5 Judicial branch
6 International organization participation

[edit] Constitution

Uruguay's first constitution was adopted in 1830, following the conclusion of a three year war in which Argentina and Uruguay acted as a regional federation. Sponsored by the United Kingdom, the 1828 Treaty of Montevideo built the foundations for an Uruguayan state and constitution. Attempts to reform the 1830 constitution in 1966 led to the adoption of an entirely new document in 1967. A constitution proposed under a military revolution in 1980 was rejected by a vote of the entire electorate.

[edit] Executive branch

Uruguay's president Tabare Vasquez

Main office holders
Office	Name	Party	Since
President	Tabaré Vázquez Rosas	FA	1 March 2005
Vice-president	Rodolfo Nin Novoa	FA	1 March 2005

Uruguay's Constitution of 1967 created a strong presidency, subject to legislative and judicial controls. The president, who is both head of state and head of government, is elected by popular vote for a five-year term, with the vice president elected on the same ticket. Thirteen cabinet ministers, appointed by the president, head executive departments.

[edit] Legislative branch

The General Assembly (Asamblea General) has two chambers. The Chamber of Deputies (Cámara de Diputados) has 99 members, elected for a five year term by proportional representation. The Chamber of Senators (Cámara de Senadores) has 31 members, 30 members elected for a five year term by proportional representation and the Vice-president who presides it.

[edit] Political parties and elections

The following election results include names of political parties. See for additional information about parties the List of political parties in Uruguay. An overview on elections and election results is included in Elections in Uruguay.

Main article: 2004 Uruguay Presidential and Parliamentary Elections

[discuss] – [edit]
**Summary of the 31 October 2004 Uruguay presidential elections election results**
Candidates - Parties	Votes	%
Tabaré Vázquez - Broad Front Progressive Encounter-New Majority		50.4
Jorge Larrañaga- National Party		34.3
Guillermo Stirling - Colorado Party		10.4
Pablo Mieres - Independent Party		1.8
Total (turnout 89.6 %)
Source: Corte Electoral

[discuss] – [edit]
**Summary of the 31 October 2004 General Assembly of Uruguay election results**
Parties and alliances	Votes	Chamber of Deputies		Chamber of Senators
Parties and alliances	Votes	%	Seats	%	Seats
Broad Front - Progressive Encounter - New Majority (Frente Amplio Encuentro Progresista Nueva Mayoria) Uruguay Assembly (Asamblea Uruguay) Broad Front Confluence (Confluencia Frenteamplio) Current 78 (Corriente 78) Movement of Popular Participation (Popular Movimiento de Participación Popular) Christian Democratic Party of Uruguay (Partido Demócrata Cristiano del Uruguay) Communist Party of Uruguay (Partido Comunista del Uruguay) Party of the Communes (Partido de los Comunes) Socialist Party of Uruguay (Partido Socialista del Uruguay) Artiguista Fall (Vertiente Artiguista) National Alliance (Alianza Nacional) New Space (Nuevo Espacio)		50.4	52		17
National Party (Partido Nacional-Blancos)		34.3	35		11
Colorado Party (Partido Colorado)		10.4	10		3
Independent Party (Partido Independiente)		1.8	2		-
Total (turnout %)			99		31
Source: Corte Electoral and El País Uruguay, Angus Reid

[edit] Judicial branch

The highest court is the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court judges are nominated by the president and elected for 10-year terms by the General Assembly. Below it are appellate and lower courts, and justices of the peace. In addition, there are electoral and administrative ("contentious") courts, an accounts court, and a military justice system.