World > South America > Uruguay > Government and Political Conditions (Notes)

Uruguay - Government and Political Conditions (Notes)

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS Uruguay's 1967 constitution institutionalizes a strong presidency, subject to legislative and judicial checks. The president's term is 5 years. Thirteen cabinet ministers, appointed by the president, head executive departments. The constitution provides for a bicameral General Assembly responsible for enacting laws and regulating the administration of justice. The General Assembly consists of a 30-member Senate, presided over by the vice president of the republic, and a 99-member Chamber of Deputies. In the October 2004 general elections, the Frente Amplio won the presidency in the first round with 50.7% and a majority of the seats in each chamber. The National (Blanco) Party won 34.1%, the Colorado Party 10.3%, and the Independent Party 1.8%. The highest court is the Supreme Court; 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 judicial system. Principal Government Officials President--Tabaré Ramón Vázquez Rosas Minister of Foreign Affairs--Reinaldo Apolo Gargano Ostuni Ambassador to the United States--Carlos Alberto Gianelli Derois Ambassador to the United Nations--Alejandro Artucio Rodriguez Ambassador to the OAS--Dr. Lujan Flores Uruguay maintains an Embassy in the United States at 1913 'I' Street NW, Washington, DC 20006 (tel. 202-331-1313, fax 202-331-8142). Uruguay maintains consulates in Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, New York and San Juan, Puerto Rico.