Uruguay at the end of the progressive cycle: an analysis of the 2019 electoral process

Abstract:

This article analyzes the 2019 electoral cycle, in its three instances: primary elections, first presidential round with parliamentary election, and second presidential round. It is argued that the electoral results brought important changes in the political system. The most transcendent change is the alternation in the government, the Broad Front left its place to a coalition of parties led by the National Party, causing a change in the format of government, going from majority party governments to a coalition one. In turn, in a party system with a high level of institutionalization, the emergence of new agents raised the levels of fragmentation and volatility. Altering the physiognomy of the party system and creating a dynamic of two opposing blocks.The article is divided into three sections. First, the nomination process for presidential candidates in primaries is described. Then, the inter-party competition in parliamentary and presidential elections is analyzed. Finally, the main characteristics of the electoral process are evaluated in light of the institutional framework established by the 1996 electoral reform.

Keywords:
Presidential elections; Parliamentary elections; Party system