(12/11/06) -

Progressive Encounter Leads All in Uruguay

- The governing Progressive Encounter (EP) remains the most popular political group in Uruguay, according to a poll by Grupo Radar. 40 per cent of respondents would vote for the leftist coalition of parties in the next national election.

- The governing Progressive Encounter (EP) remains the most popular political group in Uruguay, according to a poll by Grupo Radar. 40 per cent of respondents would vote for the leftist coalition of parties in the next national election.

The National Party-Whites (PN-B) is second with 27 per cent, followed by the Red Party (PC) with seven per cent. 11 per cent of respondents would cast a blank ballot, and 12 per cent are undecided.

Tabaré V¡zquez—nominee for the leftist EP—won the October 2004 election with 50.45 per cent of the vote, becoming the first Uruguayan president to represent a political organization other than the PN-B or the PC.

The president officially took over in March 2005, and began his government with majorities in the Chamber of Deputies—with 52 lawmakers in the 99-seat lower house—and the Chamber of Senators—with 18 legislators in the 31-seat upper house.

Since December 2005, the Uruguayan government’s plans to build two pulp and paper mills in Fray Bentos—close to the country’s border with Argentina—have led to a rift between the two South American nations. The Argentine Senate launched an official complaint, citing environmental concerns, and the issue is now before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.

On Dec. 9, V¡zquez briefly met with Argentine vice-president Daniel Scioli in Bolivia, as part of the summit of South American nations. Scioli acknowledged that little progress was made, adding, “I did not come here as a mediator. The solution to this dispute will be handled by other persons and bodies.”

Polling Data

If a national election took place this Sunday, which party would you vote for?