Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research

Progressive Encounter is Favoured in Uruguay

March 23, 2008
Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many people in Uruguay would vote for the governing Progressive Encounter - Broad Front (EP-FA) in the next general election, according to a poll by Interconsult published in Últimas Noticias. 42 per cent of respondents would support the left-wing coalition in the next ballot, up three points since November.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many people in Uruguay would vote for the governing Progressive Encounter - Broad Front (EP-FA) in the next general election, according to a poll by Interconsult published in Últimas Noticias. 42 per cent of respondents would support the left-wing coalition in the next ballot, up three points since November.

The conservative National Party-Whites (PN-B) is second with 31 per cent, followed by the Red Party (PC) with eight per cent, and the Independent Party (PI) with three per cent.

Tabaré Vázquez—nominee for the EP-FA—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 PC and the PN-B.

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.

On Feb. 29, the Uruguayan Congress approved new legislation banning tobacco advertising. Since taking office, Vázquez—an oncologist—has led a fierce campaign against smoking. In 2006, his government approved restrictions on smoking in all public buildings, bars, offices and shopping malls.

EP-FA lawmaker Jorge Orrico said during the debate that preceded the law’s approval: "In an organized society, the first priority is the right to life. No one has the right to sell death."

Polling Data

If the presidential and parliamentary elections took place this Sunday, which party would you vote for?

 

Mar. 2008

Nov. 2007

Progressive Encounter - Broad Front (EP-FA)

42%

39%

National Party-Whites (PN-B)

31%

30%

Red Party (PC)

8%

9%

Independent Party (PI)

3%

1%

Undecided / Other

16%

21%

Source: Interconsult / Últimas Noticias
Methodology: Interviews to 890 Uruguayan adults, conducted from Mar. 1 to Mar. 5, 2008. Margin of error is 3.2 per cent.