End of an Era? Uruguay’s Unexpectedly Close Election

After 15 years in power, Uruguay’s Frente Amplio (Broad Front) progressive coalition is in danger of losing the presidency in the October 27, 2019, general election. The Frente’s poor performance in the June primaries suggests a high political cost of Uruguay’s rising unemployment, worsening crime rates and disappointing educational outcomes despite continued success relative to most of the region. Meanwhile, the surprisingly strong performance by political newcomers such as Ernesto Talvi of the Colorado Party and Manini Ríos of the new Cabildo Abierto (Open Forum) party are shaking Uruguay’s long-established party system.