Uruguay
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
b. No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: Constituencies correspond with the country's departments. So, the boundaries are those of the different departments.
Source: Law on the creation of the Corte Electoral, art. 33 and following articles.
Last updated: Tue, 25 Jun 2002 08:33:17 GMT
BD02 The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
e. Not applicable
Comments: Constituencies are not drawn for electoral purposes.
Source: Law on the creation of the Corte Electoral, art. 35 and 36
Last updated: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 14:09:58 GMT
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
h. Not applicable
Comments: d. Constituencies are not drawn for electoral purposes. The onstituencies correspond with the country's departments. So, the boundaries are those of the different departments. To draw the boundaries of the electoral districts within the departments, criteria c. and e. are used.
Source: Law on the creation of the Corte Electoral, art. 34
Last updated: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 14:32:19 GMT
BD04 If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
g. Not applicable
Comments: Constituencies are not drawn for electoral purposes.
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 14:32:49 GMT
BD05 The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
g. Not applicable
Comments: Constituencies are not drawn for electoral purposes. The Corte Electoral has no faculties to modify the departaments' boundaries, however, it does have faculties to modify the electoral districts' boundaries in which each department is sub-divided.
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 14:33:54 GMT
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Luis Rodolfo González Rissotto
b. Job Title: Investigador. Docente
c. Organisation: Ministro de la Corte Electoral
d. Contact Address. Silvestre Blanco 2481 – CEP. 11.300 – Montevideo – Uruguay – Sudamérica
e. Telephone: 005982-707.29.02 (Particular) y 005982-915.96.83 (Despacho de la Corte Electoral)
f. Facsimile: Los mismos
g. Email: Leandrod@adinet.com.uy
Last updated: 2006-04-11 16:08:05 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
a. Mandatory referendum
c. Citizens' initiative
d. Agenda initiative
Source: a) Artículo 79 (Inciso 2°) de la Constitución. c) Articulos 79 (Inciso 2°) y 331 (Literal A) de la Constitución. d) Artículo 79 (Inciso 2°) de la Constitución.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 17:09:00 UTC
DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
c. Regulations
Source: a) Artículo 79 (Inciso 2°) de la Constitución. b) Leyes N° 16.017 (20 de enero de 1989) y N° 17.244 (30 de junio de 2000). c) Circular de la Corte Electoral N° 7.339 (25 de setiembre de 2000).
Last updated: 2006-04-12 17:09:00 UTC
DD04 What is the legal basis for optional referendums at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:08:06 UTC
DD05 What is the legal basis for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
a. Constitutional
c. Regulations
Comments: El Referéndum como la Iniciativa están previstos en la Constitución de la República y regulado como se debe hacer la campaña de recolección de firmas.
Source: a) Artículo 79 (Inciso 2°) y 331 (Literal A) de la Constitución. c) Artículo 79 (Inciso 2°) de la Constitución.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 17:09:00 UTC
DD06 What is the legal basis for agenda initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Source: Constitución de la República Oriental del Uruguay, Art.79 (inc.2)
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:10:46 UTC
DD07 What is the legal basis for recalls at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:12:34 UTC
DD08 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
b. Specific laws/legislation
c. Regulations
Source: b) Leyes N° 16.017 (20 de enero de 1989) y N° 17.244 (30 de junio de 2000). c) Circular de la Corte Electoral N° 7.339 (25 de setiembre de 2000).
Last updated: 2006-04-12 17:09:00 UTC
DD09 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:14:58 UTC
DD10 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
a. Constitutional
c. Regulations
Source: a) Artículo 79 (Inciso 2°) y 331 (Literal A) de la Constitución. c) Está regulado por la Corte Electoral, por disposiciones internas.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 17:09:00 UTC
DD106 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a referendum?
f. Other (specify)
Comments: Solo existe información proporcionada por los impulsores de la campaña de recolección de firmas, cualquiera sea su finalidad (referéndum, reforma constitucional, iniciativa legislativa, iniciativa departamental, etc).
Last updated: 2006-04-11 21:22:15 UTC
DD107 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in an initiative?
f. Other (specify)
Comments: Solo existe información proporcionada por los impulsores de la campaña de recolección de firmas, cualquiera sea su finalidad (referéndum, reforma constitucional, iniciativa legislativa, iniciativa departamental, etc).
Last updated: 2006-04-11 21:22:15 UTC
DD108 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a recall?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-04-11 21:22:15 UTC
DD109 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a referendum?
g. Other(specify)
Comments: Toda la difusión se hace a cargo y a su costo de los promotores de los mecanismos de democracia directa (iniciativa y referéndum).
Last updated: 2006-04-11 21:22:15 UTC
DD11 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
a. Constitutional
Source: Artículo 79 (Inciso 2°).
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:17:44 UTC
DD110 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?
g. Other(specify)
Comments: Toda la difusión se hace a cargo y a su costo de los promotores de los mecanismos de democracia directa (iniciativa y referéndum).
Last updated: 2006-04-11 21:22:15 UTC
DD111 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?
i. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-04-11 21:22:15 UTC
DD112 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a referendum?
g. None
Comments: No se aplica ningún control sobre el financiamiento de las campañas de difusión tanto en las elecciones (cualquiera sea el tipo) como en los actos de referéndum y de iniciativa popular.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 21:22:15 UTC
DD113 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in an initiative?
g. None
Comments: No se aplica ningún control sobre el financiamiento de las campañas de difusión tanto en las elecciones (cualquiera sea el tipo) como en los actos de referéndum y de iniciativa popular.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 21:22:15 UTC
DD114 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a recall?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-04-11 21:22:15 UTC
DD115 What is the period during which these controls apply for a referendum?
b. Other (specify)
Comments: No se efectúan ningún control durante la campañas de aplicación de los mecanismos de democracia directa.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 21:22:15 UTC
DD116 What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
b. Other (specify)
Comments: No se efectúan ningún control durante la campañas de aplicación de los mecanismos de democracia directa.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 21:22:15 UTC
DD117 What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-04-11 21:22:15 UTC
DD118 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a referendum? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
e. Other (specify)
Comments: No se brinda ninguna asistencia o apoyo financiero o aspectos conexos durante la campaña propagandística.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 21:22:15 UTC
DD119 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
e. Other (specify)
Comments: No se brinda ninguna asistencia o apoyo financiero o aspectos conexos durante la campaña propagandística.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 21:22:15 UTC
DD12 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:19:30 UTC
DD120 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-04-11 21:22:15 UTC
DD121 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a referendum?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. None
Comments: No se brinda asistencia de ningún tipo o clase, en el proceso de uso de los institutos de democracia directa.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 21:22:15 UTC
DD122 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. None
Comments: No se brinda asistencia de ningún tipo o clase, en el proceso de uso de los institutos de democracia directa.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 21:22:15 UTC
DD123 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-04-11 21:22:15 UTC
DD124 If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?
a. Not regulated
Comments: No está regulado, por lo que el acceso a los medios de difusión es libre, pero no gratuito. El que desee hacer una campaña publicitaria debe tener a su cargo los costos que pueda demandar la misma.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 21:22:15 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
a. Mandatory referendum 1967
c. Citizens' initiative 1934
d. Agenda initiative 1967
Comments: a) El rereféndum de alcance nacional, fue establecido en la Constitución de 1967, aunque a nivel departamental (o municipal) se había previsto a partir de 1919 y se utilizó por vez primera en 1951 en el departamento de Montevideo, cuando tuvo lugar una impugnación con motivo de la suba del precio del transporte urbano. c) La iniciativa popular para promover una reforma de la Constitución fue introducida en la Constitución de 1934. d) El rereféndum de alcance nacional, fue establecido en la Constitución de 1967, aunque a nivel departamental (o municipal) se había previsto a partir de 1919 y se utilizó por vez primera en 1951 en el departamento de Montevideo, cuando tuvo lugar una impugnación con motivo de la suba del precio del transporte urbano.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 17:09:00 UTC
DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)
a. Mandatory referendum 1967
c. Citizens' initiative 1934
d. Agenda initiative 1967
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:21:51 UTC
DD15 Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
b. Independent electoral commission
Comments: La Corte Electoral.
Source: Artículo 322, literal A) y C) de la Constitución.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:21:51 UTC
DD16 Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
a. Yes
Source: Artículo 322, literal A) y C) de la Constitución.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:21:51 UTC
DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments: En el ordenamiento institucional uruguayo, existen 19 circunscripciones administrativas que se llamas “Departamentos”, algunos de tamaño superior a Holanda, Bélgica, Rep. Checa, Eslovenia, etc. En Uruguay se usan casi como sinónimos “Departamento” y “Municipio”. En esas circunscripciones, existen autoridades para todo el departamento que se denominan: “Intendente Municipal” (órgano ejecutivo departamental) y “Junta Departamental” (órgano deliberativo y de control del ejecutivo departamental). Esta nomenclatura puede generar confusión ya que en algunos países se utiliza la denominación “Estados”, “Provincias”, “Regiones” y en Uruguay es “Departamento” que reitero es usado como sinónimo de “Municipio”. Se ha previsto el recurso de referéndum contra los Decretos de las Juntas Departamentales.
Source: Articulo 304 (inc.1°) de la Constitución.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 17:09:00 UTC
DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:42:35 UTC
DD19 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments: En el ordenamiento institucional uruguayo, existen 19 circunscripciones administrativas que se llamas “Departamentos”, algunos de tamaño superior a Holanda, Bélgica, Rep. Checa, Eslovenia, etc. En Uruguay se usan casi como sinónimos “Departamento” y “Municipio”. En esas circunscripciones, existen autoridades para todo el departamento que se denominan: “Intendente Municipal” (órgano ejecutivo departamental) y “Junta Departamental” (órgano deliberativo y de control del ejecutivo departamental). Esta nomenclatura puede generar confusión ya que en algunos países se utiliza la denominación “Estados”, “Provincias”, “Regiones” y en Uruguay es “Departamento” que reitero es usado como sinónimo de “Municipio”. Se ha previsto la iniciativa popular en el ámbito del Gobierno Departamental (o Municipal).
Source: Artículo 304 (inciso 2°) de la Constitución.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 17:09:00 UTC
DD20 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments: En el ordenamiento institucional uruguayo, existen 19 circunscripciones administrativas que se llamas “Departamentos”, algunos de tamaño superior a Holanda, Bélgica, Rep. Checa, Eslovenia, etc. En Uruguay se usan casi como sinónimos “Departamento” y “Municipio”. En esas circunscripciones, existen autoridades para todo el departamento que se denominan: “Intendente Municipal” (órgano ejecutivo departamental) y “Junta Departamental” (órgano deliberativo y de control del ejecutivo departamental). Esta nomenclatura puede generar confusión ya que en algunos países se utiliza la denominación “Estados”, “Provincias”, “Regiones” y en Uruguay es “Departamento” que reitero es usado como sinónimo de “Municipio”. Se ha previsto la iniciativa popular de los inscriptos residentes en una localidad, que es una circunscripción determinada por Ley, en asuntos de dicha jurisdicción.
Source: Artículo 305 de la Constitución.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 17:09:00 UTC
DD21 Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:42:35 UTC
DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: Los institutos, ya sea el referéndum, la iniciativa ciudadana o popular, y la iniciativa legislativa se pueden interponer en todo los departamentos (o Municipios) del país; pero también se puede interponer un recurso en un solo Departamento o Municipio, en los casos vistos en el punto DD17-DD21.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:45:09 UTC
DD23 Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:45:09 UTC
DD24 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: Los institutos, ya sea el referéndum, la iniciativa ciudadana o popular, y la iniciativa legislativa se pueden interponer en todo los departamentos (o Municipios) del país; pero también se puede interponer un recurso en un solo Departamento o Municipio, en los casos vistos en el punto DD17-DD21.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:45:09 UTC
DD25 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: Los institutos, ya sea el referéndum, la iniciativa ciudadana o popular, y la iniciativa legislativa se pueden interponer en todo los departamentos (o Municipios) del país; pero también se puede interponer un recurso en un solo Departamento o Municipio, en los casos vistos en el punto DD17-DD21.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:45:09 UTC
DD26 Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:45:09 UTC
DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
j. Other (specify)
Comments: El referéndum en Uruguay se utiliza para derogar leyes de carácter nacional, con algunas excepciones que luego se verán. No se emplea ni para proponer normas legales, ni para las otras opciones que se plantean en este cuestionario, y que son de empleo corriente en otros países.
Source: Artículo 79, inciso 2° de la Constitución y Artículos 21 y 22 de la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989 en la redacción dada por la Ley N° 17.244 de 30 de junio de 2000.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:50:28 UTC
DD28 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Comments: En Uruguay los referéndum son obligatorios, e impone un mandato que debe ser cumplido sin más trámite y que obviamente no se puede desconocer. No existe el referéndum optativo. No obstante se debe distinguir: que el sufragio es obligatorio para el Cuerpo Electoral, y que también es obligatorio el resultado del pronunciamiento popular. Es decir, que son obligatorios en ambos sentidos.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:50:28 UTC
DD29 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
g. Civil service
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
Comments: El Referéndum no es aplicable con respecto a las leyes que establezcan tributos. Tampoco cabe en los casos en que la iniciativa sea privativa del Poder Ejecutivo”. El recurso de referéndum fue reglamentado por la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989, y posteriormente modificada por la Ley N° 17.244 de 30 de junio de 2000. El Art. 22 de la Ley establece cuáles son las normas que no pueden ser objeto del mismo. En efecto, dispone que “No son impugnables mediante el recurso de referéndum: A )Las leyes constitucionales (literal D) del artículo 331 de la Constitución; B) Las leyes cuya iniciativa, por razón de materia, son exclusivas del Poder Ejecutivo (artículos 86 in fine, 133 y 214 de la Constitución); C) Las leyes que establezcan tributos, entendiéndose por tales los impuestos, las tasas y las contribuciones especiales (artículos 11°, 12° y 13° del Código Tributario)”.
Source: Artículo 22 de la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 17:09:00 UTC
DD30 Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
d. Other (specify)
Comments: El referéndum departamental no ha sido reglamentado por el Legislador. Ante esa carencia, se debate, en el ámbito doctrinario, si procede o no el recurso de referéndum contra un decreto de una Junta Departamental cuando el o los artículos impugnados se refieren a la materia tributaria. Se sostienen dos posiciones: 1°) los que afirman que el instituto está vigente y que puede interponerse en todas las materias y cuestiones, porque el constituyente no estableció ninguna limitación, a diferencia de lo que consagró en el inciso 2 del Art. 79 de la Constitución y por ende, por su amplitud, el referéndum departamental puede ser interpuesto contra todos los decretos con fuerza de ley, sin distinción de materia. 2°) Otros sostienen que si bien está vigente el Instituto, no puede interponerse en todos los casos, ya que hay asuntos que no se pueden recurrir (como la materia tributaria), de igual modo que acontece el referéndum contra las leyes.
Source: Artículo 304 (Inciso 2°) y 305 de la Constitución.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:50:28 UTC
DD31 Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
e. Registered electors
Comments: Solo puede ser promovido por las personas que están inscriptas en el Registro Cívico Nacional y como tal son electores.
Source: Artículo 79 (Inciso 2°) de la Constitución y Artículo 26 de la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:50:28 UTC
DD32 Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
b. Independent electoral commission
Comments: El texto es simple y dice: SI o NO (la boleta que corresponda) a la derogación de la Ley N° ........, de .... de............ del año........, relativa a .........................................................
Source: Artículos 40 y 41 de la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:50:28 UTC
DD33 Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:57:22 UTC
DD34 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
a. The title of the proposal
b. The numbers of the articles or paragraphs of the legal instruments to which changes are proposed
Comments: Cabe efectuar la siguiente precisión de la respuesta que se brinda a continuación: a) cuando se presenta ante la Corte Electoral debe ser acompañado del título de la norma impugnada; del o de los artículos que se proponer derogar de la norma recurrida, el texto completo de la norma que se recurre y un ejemplar del “Diario Oficial” en que se publicó la ley impugnada. B) cuando tiene lugar la votación de la norma impugnada solo se establece el número de la norma, la fecha en que fue promulgada y el título o nombre con el que se conoce.
Source: Si la respuesta es a) la norma que lo regula es el artículo 30 de la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989 en la redacción dada por la Ley N° 17.244 de 30 de junio de 2000; y si la respuesta es b) el artículo referido es el 40 de la Ley citada precedentemente.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:57:22 UTC
DD35 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:57:22 UTC
DD36 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
b. Independent electoral commission
Comments: El texto es confeccionado por la Corte Electoral del Uruguay.
Source: Artículos 40 y 41 de la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:57:22 UTC
DD37 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:57:22 UTC
DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
b. Approval quorum X
Comments: Para que se logre la derogación de una norma de rango legal impugnada por un referéndum, se requiere que sufraguen afirmativamente más del 50% del Cuerpo Electoral inscripto en el Registro Cívico Nacional.
Source: Artículos 40 y 43 de la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 15:37:29 UTC
DD40 What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
b. Qualified majority (specify % below)
Comments: Se requiere mayoría absoluta sobre el total de habilitados para sufragar, que son, como vimos en el punto anterior, los integrantes del Cuerpo Electoral, que están inscriptos en el Registro Civico Nacional y que como tal son electores.
Source: Artículos 40 y 43 de la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:57:22 UTC
DD41 What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:57:22 UTC
DD42 In which areas, if any, do regulatory provisions differ between a referendum and a national election?
Tick all that apply and specify below in the comments section.
f. Other
Comments: No difieren para nada respecto de una elección nacional o departamental. Quizá la única diferencia es que en el referéndum es la Corte Electoral la responsable de suministrar las hojas de votación a los electores. En cambio en las elecciones, ya sean internas y primarias, nacionales o departamentes, los responsables de suministrar las hojas de votación son los partidos políticos. Además, no existe la posibilidad de emitir el voto por vía postal, ni tampoco desde el exterior, ni hay diferencias en la edad para ser elector.
Source: Artículo 41 de la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989 (para el referéndum) y Artículos 70, 71, 72, 74 y 169 de la Ley N° 7.812 de 16 de enero de 1925 en la redacción dada por la Ley N° 17.113 de 9 de junio de 1999 (Ley de Elecciones).
Last updated: 2006-04-12 17:09:00 UTC
DD43 When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
a. Always
Comments: El resultado del referéndum siempre es imperativo y obliga a la entrada en vigencia de lo que se haya dispuesto por ese instituto de democracia directa.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:57:22 UTC
DD44 When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-04-11 17:57:22 UTC
DD45 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
Comments: Puede emplearse para promover una reforma de la Constitución.
Source: Artículo 331 (literal A) de la Constitución.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 19:41:08 UTC
DD46 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
b. Legislative proposals
Comments: Puede emplearse para promover una ley ante el Parlamento.
Source: Artículo 79 (Inciso 2°) de la Constitución.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 19:41:08 UTC
DD47 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
g. Civil service
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
Comments: El instituto de la iniciativa popular no es aplicable con respecto a las leyes que establezcan tributos. Tampoco cabe en los casos en que la iniciativa sea privativa del Poder Ejecutivo.
Source: Artículo 79 (Inciso 2°) de la Constitución y Artículo 22 de la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 19:41:08 UTC
DD48 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
c. Transfer of authority
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
Source: Artículo 79 (Inciso 2°) de la Constitución y Artículo 22 de la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 19:41:08 UTC
DD49 Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
a. A number of individuals
Comments: Solo puede ser presentado tanto por un grupo de personas que están inscriptos en el Registro Cívico Nacional.
Source: Artículo 331 (literal A) de la Constitución.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 19:41:08 UTC
DD50 Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
a. A number of individuals
Comments: Solo puede ser presentado tanto por un grupo de personas que están inscriptos en el Registro Cívico Nacional.
Source: Artículo 79 (Inciso 2°) de la Constitución.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 19:41:08 UTC
DD51 What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
a. Proposed title
c. Full proposed text
Source: Artículo 331 (literal A) de la Constitución y Artículo 30 de la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989, en la redacción dada por la Ley N° 17.244 de 30 de enero de 2000.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 19:55:45 UTC
DD52 Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
b. The agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms (specify)
Comments: La calificación de procedencia, por razones formales y sustanciales (plazo, número de proponentes, constitucionalidad y legalidad) de la iniciativa la debe hacer la Corte Electoral, si se trata de un recurso contra una Ley.
Source: Artículos 29, 31, 32 y 33 de la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989 en la redacción dada por la Ley N° 17.244 de 30 de junio de 2000.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 19:55:45 UTC
DD53 Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
b. The agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms (specify)
Comments: En cambio, si se trata de una iniciativa que tieme como finalidad una reforma de la Constitución o promoviendo una Ley para que sea considerada por el Poder Legislativo, la Corte Electoral solo se limitará a verificar si se han presentado el número de voluntades exigidas por la Constitución.
Source: Artículos 29, 31, 32 y 33 de la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989 en la redacción dada por la Ley N° 17.244 de 30 de junio de 2000.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 19:55:45 UTC
DD54 Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
a. Inconsistency with proposed content
b. Commercial statement
c. Discriminatory or inflammatory statements
d. Excessive length
e. Incomprehensibility
f. More than one subject area
g. Other (specify)
Comments: g) Que el número de voluntades sea insuficiente; que la norma no se pueda recurrir (en este caso si se trata de un recurso de referéndum).
Source: Artículos 31 y 34 de la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989, en la redacción dada por la Ley N° 17.244 de 30 de junio de 2000.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 19:55:45 UTC
DD55 Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
e. None
Comments: La Corte Electoral no brinda ningún servicio: ni antes de comenzar la campaña de recolección de firmas; ni durante la colecta de las adhesiones; ni con posterioridad, luego de presentadas y antes de ser sometidas a consideración popular.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 19:55:45 UTC
DD56 Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
a. An automatic check is part of the initiative process
Comments: La Constitucionalidad y Legalidad serán revisados por el órgano competente según sea el tipo de iniciativa popular que se pretenda utilizar, ya que en el ordenamiento institucional uruguayo se admiten hasta 5 opciones distintas: 1°) La establecida en el inciso 2° del artículo 79 de la Constitución vinculada a la interposición del recurso de referéndum. Si bien el precepto constitucional no califica a la potestad que se atribuye al 25% del Cuerpo Electoral como “iniciativa”, es evidente que se trata de un caso de iniciativa popular en que se pone en marcha, el procedimiento para que se pueda convocar a referéndum previsto en dicha norma, por alguna de las dos vías que prevé la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989 en la redacción dada por la Ley N° 17.244 de 30 de junio de 2000. Este procedimiento ha sido empleado en numerosas oportunidades a partir de 1987. 2°) Esa misma disposición otorga al 25% del Cuerpo Electoral, además del recurso de referéndum contra las leyes, la potestad de “ejercer el derecho de iniciativa ante el Poder Legislativo”. Esta norma consagra que el cuarto del total de integrantes del Cuerpo Electoral tiene derecho de iniciativa en materia legislativa. En la misma se establecen las limitaciones al decir que “Estos institutos no son aplicables con respecto a las leyes que establezcan tributos. Tampoco cabe en los casos en que la iniciativa sea privativa del Poder Ejecutivo. Ambos institutos serán reglamentados por ley, dictada por mayoría absoluta del total de componentes de cada Cámara”. Hasta el presente, el derecho de iniciativa popular en materia legislativa nacional, nunca ha sido utilizado. El constitucionalista Horacio Cassinelli Muñoz (“Síntesis” de enero/967, p. 40), sostiene que la iniciativa ante el Poder Legislativo “puede tener por objeto un proyecto de Ley o cualquier otro acto del Poder Legislativo” (v.gr.: Un proyecto de indulto o una moción de censura parlamentaria). De todas maneras cabe adelantar que su interposición crearía difíciles problemas interpretativos de armonización y engorrosas cuestiones de coordinación entre diferentes normas constitucionales (artículos 79 inciso 2°; 85 inciso 6°; 86; y 168 inciso 7°). 3°) El derecho de iniciativa está previsto en el literal a) del artículo 331, que consagra uno de los procedimientos habilitados para promover la reforma de la Constitución. Dice el precepto constitucional: “A) Por iniciativa del diez por ciento de los ciudadanos inscriptos en el Registro Cívico Nacional, presentando un proyecto articulado que se elevará al Presidente de la Asamblea General, debiendo ser sometido a la decisión popular, en la elección más inmediata. La Asamblea General, en reunión de ambas Cámaras, podrá formular proyectos sustitutivos que someterá a la decisión plebiscitaria, juntamente con la iniciativa popular”. Este es la forma en que el derecho de iniciativa más se ha utilizado por el Cuerpo Electoral en el Uruguay. Al respecto hay que mencionar a modo de ejemplo: los dos de 1958, el de 1962, uno de los cuatro proyectos plebiscitados en 1966; el que se intentó plebiscitar en 1984, pero fue impedido por la dictadura militar poco antes de iniciar el tránsito hacia la democracia; en 1989; los dos de 1994, los dos de 1999; y el de octubre de 2004. 4°) El inciso 2° del artículo 304 de la Constitución que faculta al Poder Legislativo, por mayoría absoluta de votos del total de componentes de cada Cámara a “instituir y reglamentar la iniciativa popular en materia de Gobierno Departamental”. Sobre la eventualidad de su utilización, en ausencia de normas expresas, la Corte Electoral ha fijado posición sobre el tema, sobre la base de los siguientes fundamentos: a) la iniciativa en materia departamental no está instituida en la Constitución, ya que solo está prevista como posibilidad, por lo que el Legislador podría instituirla y reglamentarla, pero hasta tanto no lo haga el Cuerpo Electoral del departamento no podrá ejercer ese derecho constitucional. b) que si lo llegase a instituir, no podría, al reglamentarla, establecer que esa iniciativa culmine en un referéndum aprobatorio de una norma o resolución en asuntos de competencia del Gobierno Departamental, porque a partir de la Constitución de 1952, el referéndum está instituido como mecanismo de extinción de una norma jurídica ya sancionada, pero no como un procedimiento tendiente a suplir el pronunciamiento de los órganos llamados a expedirse. Sin embargo, sobre este punto, hay dos aspectos a considerar: 1°) en ocasión de la reforma constitucional de 1951 más que derogar la norma, lo que se hizo fue constitucionalizarla en una solución que estaba en la Ley de 1935 y sobre la cual podían existir dudas acerca de sí era o no constitucional y por ello, es que se incluyó en la propia Carta. 2°) En la eventualidad de que hubiera sido derogada por la Constitución, como algunos sostienes, de todos modos corresponde su aplicación al amparo de lo dispuesto por el Art. 322 de la Carta que consagra: “Los preceptos de la presente Constitución que reconocen derechos a los individuos, así como los que atribuyen facultades e imponen deberes a las autoridades públicas, no dejarán de aplicarse por falta de la reglamentación respectiva, sino que ésta será suplida, recurriendo a los fundamentos de leyes análogas, a los principios generales de derecho y a las doctrinas generalmente admitidas”. Una opinión distinta la aporta la Dra. Ruocco (1994:50) que sostiene: “Gros Espiell escribe que la Constitución de 1952 no derogó en forma expresa la Ley de 1935 en materia de referéndum e iniciativa; y los artículos de la ley citada, aunque anteriores al texto constitucional, puedan conceptuarse reglamentarios del mismo en cuanto no coliden con él”. 5°) El artículo 305 de la Constitución establece que “El quince por ciento de los inscriptos residentes en una localidad o circunscripción que determine la ley, tendrá el derecho de iniciativa ante los órganos del Gobierno Departamental en asuntos de dicha jurisdicción”. La redacción amplió la potestad de presentar la iniciativa ante cualquier órgano de Gobierno Departamental, y no solamente ante la respectiva Junta Local. Tampoco fue reglamentada por el Legislador y por ende, se debería acudir a lo que dispone el Art. 322 de la Constitución que señala el camino para suplir la ausencia de normas reglamentarias y es recurrir a los fundamentos de leyes análogas, a los principios generales del derecho y a las doctrinas más recibidas.
Source: 1) Artículo 79 (Inciso 2°) de la Constitución y Artículos 31, 32 y 33 de la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989 en la redacción dada por la Ley N| 17.244 de 30 de junio de 2000. 2) Artículo 79 (Inciso 2°) de la Constitución. 3) Artículo 331 (literal A) de la Constitución. 4) Artículo 304 (Inciso 2°) de la Constitución. 5) Artículo 305 de la Constitución.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 17:09:00 UTC
DD57 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, who is responsible for undertaking it?
b. Independent electoral commission
f. Other (specify)
Comments: 1) Si se trata de una iniciativa que promueve un recurso de referéndum, la responsabilidad es de la Corte Electoral, al igual que si se trata de un recurso contra un Decreto aprobado por una Junta Departamental. 2) En las otras opciones, depende del tipo de iniciativa de que se trate, como ha sido visto anteriormente.
Source: Artículos 31, 32, y 33 de la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989, en la redacción dada por la Ley N° 17.244 de 30 de junio de 2000.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 17:09:00 UTC
DD58 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
c. After its submission but before the vote on the initiative
Comments: En las diferentes opciones de la iniciativa se debe realizar el estudio de la constitucionalidad y legalidad luego de ser presentada, que el ordenamiento jurídico e institucional uruguayo se denomina “calificación”.
Source: Artículos 30, 31, 32 y 33 de la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989 en la redacción dada por la Ley N° 17.244 de 30 de junio de 2000.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 20:30:55 UTC
DD59 Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens’ initiative?
d. Legislature
Comments: Si se trata de una iniciativa que tiene como finalidad reformar la Constitución de la República, previsto al amparo del Artículo 331, literal A) de la Carta, la Asamblea General del Poder Legislativo puede formular proyectos sustitutivos que someterá a la decisión plebiscitaria, juntamente con la iniciativa popular.
Source: Artículo 331, literal A), Inciso 2° de la Constitución.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 20:30:55 UTC
DD60 At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
c. Other (specify)
Comments: Luego de presetada la iniciativa y obviamente antes de ser sometida a la consideración del Cuerpo Electoral.
Source: Artículo 331, literal A), Inciso 2° de la Constitución.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 20:30:55 UTC
DD61 What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
b. Both the initiative and the alternative proposal are qualified for the ballot, and are put to a vote on the same day
Comments: Ambas propuestas se someten a consideración del Cuerpo Electoral el mismo día y en el mismo acto electoral.
Source: Artículo 331, literal A), Inciso 2°; y último inciso del literal c) de dicha norma de la Constitución.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 20:30:55 UTC
DD62 When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
b. To accept one proposal only
c. To reject both proposals
Comments: b) Para que el sufragio sea válido solo pueden votar por una de las opciones. Si lo hace por las dos, el voto se anula en su totalidad, ya que en el ordenamiento institucional uruguayo no se admite que se sufrague en forma simultánea por diferentes y eventualmente contradictorias alternativas, y entonces, si lo hacen, la consecuencia es la anulación del voto. c) También pueden rechazar ambas propuestas, votando en blanco o votando por ambos de modo de lograr anular el sufragio como se vio en el punto anterior.
Source: Si se trata de un proyecto de reforma constitucional se estará a lo que dispone el Artículo 331 literal C Inciso 6° de la Constitución y además, por el Artículo 106 de la Ley N° 7.812 de 16 de enero de 1925 en la redacción dada por la Ley N° 17.113 de 9 de junio de 1999. Por su parte, si se trata de un recurso de referéndum, el mismo está regulado por el Artículo 40 de la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 17:09:00 UTC
DD63 Who decides the final ballot text?
b. Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms
Comments: Ya se vio anteriormente, que el texto que se propone para una consulta popular lo confecciona o elabora la Corte Electoral, y simplemente contiene las palabras “SI” o “NO” , acompañadas de la indicación de que normas se pretenden modificar o derogar por el instituto de democracia directa.
Source: Artículo 41 de la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 20:30:55 UTC
DD64 Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
a. Within a certain time limit (specify)
Comments: a) and b) are both applicable: a) En el caso del recurso de referéndum, si hubiere sido deducido por el 25% (veinticinco por ciento) de los inscriptos habilitados para votar, La Corte Electoral convocará al Cuerpo Electoral a referéndum, el que deberá realizarses dentro de los 120 (ciento veinte) días sigueintes al de la proclamación que el recurso fue interpuesto en tiempo y forma. Si dentro del plazo de 120 (ciento veinte) días, se celebraran las elecciones internas y primarias, las nacionales (incluido el balotaje) y las municipales, se realizará dentro de los 45 (cuarenta y cinco) días posteriores a las referidas elecciones. b) Si se prevé que se someterá a plebiscito en forma simultáneamente a las más próximas elecciones nacionales.
Source: a) Artículo 37 de la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989 en la redacción dada por la Ley N° 17.244 de 30 de junio de 2000. b) Artículo 331 literal C) inciso último, de la Constitución.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 17:09:00 UTC
DD65 Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
k. Not applicable
Comments: En Uruguay no existe el instituto de “recall” o “revocación de mandato” como también se le denomina.
Last updated: 2006-04-11 20:30:55 UTC
DD66 What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-04-11 20:30:55 UTC
DD68 If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-04-11 20:30:55 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Corte Electoral
b. Full Address Calle Ituzaingó 1467, Montevideo
c. Telephone (00598) (2) 915 9560
d. Facsimile (00598) (2) 916 0534
e. Email corelect(a)adinet.com.uy
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Mr. Carlos Alberto Urruty
h. Information Officer Ms. Adriana Pozzi
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 13:01:10 GMT
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
b. Regional level
c. Local level
d. Other kinds of elections (church, union, etc.) Please specify.
Comments: Other kinds of elections: university authorities, representatives of pensioners, workers and firms with regard to the Banco de Prevision Social.
Source: Constitution and other laws which widened the functions of the Corte Electoral.
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 13:02:51 GMT
EM03 The national electoral management body reports to:
c. The legislature
Comments: The members of the Corte Electoral can be made responsible for violations to the Constitution. The prosecutor would be Chamber 2 (Representatives) and the decision would be made by Chamber 1 (Senate).
Source: Constitution, art. 93 and 102
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 13:10:25 GMT
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
Source: Constitution, art. 220
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 13:04:44 GMT
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
e. Another organ within the national government
Comments: El tribunal de Cuentas
Source: Constitution, art. 211
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 13:11:41 GMT
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
c. For an unspecified period
Comments: The members of the Corte Electoral stay in their posts until those who will substitute them are elected.
Source: Law on the creation of the Corte Electoral from the 9 January 1924, art. 6
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 13:13:05 GMT
EM07 The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
a. Elected (specify by whom)
Comments: Elected by the two thirds of the Asamblea General (Legislative organism composed of both Chambers).
Source: Constitution, art. 324
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 13:13:55 GMT
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
a. estimated total: 4800000
Comments: aprox. 4 800 000 USD
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty ( May 2002)
Last updated: 2008-01-21 14:09:36 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
a. Total number: 2402160
Comments: 2,402,160 is the amount of registered voters 1999. However, 2,204,884 people actually voted (91.7%).
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: 2008-01-21 14:09:36 UTC
EM10 What was the spending (in USD) per registered voter (NOT actual voters) or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters at the last general elections?
a. USD/registered voter 2
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 13:15:19 GMT
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
a. Head of State is the Head of Government
Source: Constitution, art. 149 and 159
Last updated: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 13:57:32 GMT
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
b. Directly elected in general elections, absolute majority (with 2nd round if necessary)
Source: Constitution, art. 151
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:33:04 GMT
ES03 Does the country have a president?
a. Yes
Source: It emerges from the context of the Constitution.
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:34:39 GMT
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
b. Two chambers
Source: Constitution, art. 84
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:35:28 GMT
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
g. List Proportional Representation
Comments: Direct election, party-list proportional representation system based on the simple quotient. Vacancies arising between general elections are filled by substitutes elected at the same time as the titular members.
Source: Constitution, art. 88
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:36:23 GMT
ES06 What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
g. List Proportional Representation
Comments: Direct election, party-list proportional representation system using the simple quotient and highest average formula for remainders.
Source: Constitution, art. 95
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:36:54 GMT
ES07 If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
a. d'Hondt Formula
Comments: The Largest Remainder Method(Quota) was changed for the d'Hondt Formula in 1925
Source: Complementary Law to the Electoral Law of the 22 October 1925
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:38:23 GMT
ES08 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
a. National level
Comments: The Chamber of Representatives is composed of 99 members appointed at a national level by a proportional representation system. However, two seats are assigned to each one of the 19 constituencies (departments).
Source: Constitution, art. 94
Last updated: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 13:59:40 GMT
ES09 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
a. National level
Comments: The Chamber of Senators is composed of 30 members appointed at a national level by an integral, proportional representation system.<
Source: Constitution, art. 88
Last updated: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 14:00:10 GMT
ES10 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
b. No
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:40:31 GMT
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
Comments: No special seats are reserved for any interest group.
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:41:27 GMT
ES12 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
b. No
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:42:05 GMT
ES13 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 2, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved:
Comments: No special seats are reserved for any interest groups.
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:42:47 GMT
ES14 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
a. No minimum
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:43:12 GMT
ES15 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
a. No minimum
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:44:47 GMT
ES16 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
c. Not applicable
Comments: There aren't independent candidates
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:45:23 GMT
ES17 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable
Comments: There aren't independent candidates
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:45:48 GMT
ES18 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
Comments: Elections take place every 5 years and on the last Sunday in October.
Source: Constitution, art. 77
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:46:26 GMT
ES19 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
Comments: Elections for Chamber 1 and Chamber 2 take place at the same time: on the last Sunday of October every 5 years. This date is established in the Constitution.
Source: Constitution, art. 77
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:46:58 GMT
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
a. Part of Constitution
Source: Constitution, Section III
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:51:17 GMT
LF02 What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
b. January 1990- December 1999
Comments: The current Electoral Legislation derives from the first Electoral Legislation written on the 9/1/1924 and on the 16/1/1925. The most recent reforms took place on the 9/6/1999 in which 104 articles were modified.
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:51:40 GMT
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
b. Regional elections
c. Local elections
d. Referendums
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:53:17 GMT
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
c. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
Source: Constitution, art. 77
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:54:21 GMT
LF05 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
a. National elections are not held on the same day as regional or local elections
Source: Constitution, art. 77
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:54:54 GMT
LF06 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
b. Presidential elections are held on the same day as national legislative elections
Source: Constitution, art. 77
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:55:25 GMT
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
b. EMB
Source: Constitution, art. 322
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:55:56 GMT
LF08 If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
h. Not applicable
Comments: The agency which settles formal disputes is not specially appointed/elected.
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:57:22 GMT
LF09 Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
b. Parties
Source: Electoral Law, chapters XVI, XVII, XVIII
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:58:23 GMT
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2007-01-17 09:23:13 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 09:23:13 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Last updated: 2007-01-17 09:23:13 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 09:23:13 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 09:23:13 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 09:23:13 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
a. Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: a) Applies to state-owned media.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2007-01-17 09:23:13 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
a. Amount (Euros) X
Comments: a) There is no financial limit. But the amount of broadcast advertisement time that can be bought is limited.
Source: International IDEA research, February 2007
Last updated: 2007-02-13 14:20:00 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 09:23:13 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 09:23:13 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 09:23:13 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 09:23:13 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
f. Other
Comments: f. The requirement is that the political party participates in the primary elections that take place in April of the same year in which the National Elections occur, and that he obtains at least 500 votes.
Source: Constitution, transitory provision. Law of the 24th of December 1998, art. 5
Last updated: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 14:17:07 GMT
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
f. Other
Comments: The requirement is that the candidate or political party participates in the primary elections that take place in April of the same year in which the National Elections occur, and that he obtains at least 500 votes.
Source: Constitution, transitory provision.
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 14:02:28 GMT
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
j. Other
Comments: a. 25 years old b. Uruguayan citizenship by birth or legal citizenship for at least 5 years.
Source: Constitution, art. 90
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 14:02:53 GMT
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
Comments: a. 30 years old b. Uruguayan citizenship by birth or legal citizenship for at least 7 years
Source: Constitution, art. 98
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 14:03:33 GMT
PC05 What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
Comments: a. 35 years old b. Citizenship by birth. Foreigners cannot be candidates.
Source: Constitution, art. 151
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 14:04:07 GMT
PC06 What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
a. Current criminal incarceration
k. Mental health problems
Source: Constitution, art. 80
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 14:04:36 GMT
PC07 What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
a. Current criminal incarceration
k. Mental health problems
Source: Constitution, art. 80
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 14:05:03 GMT
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
a. Neither in presidential nor legislative elections
Comments: Candidates can only be postulated by political parties, however, it is not a requirement to be affiliated to the party.
Source: Constitution. This is incompatible with the system of double vote where the voter votes for the party and its candidates at the same time.
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 14:07:04 GMT
PC09 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
e. Not applicable
Comments: Independent candidates cannot compete in any elections.
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 14:08:23 GMT
PC10 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
e. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 14:09:06 GMT
PC11 If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
e. Not Applicable
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 14:09:57 GMT
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
b. Direct
c. Indirect
Source: Special laws, which give public financing for campaign expenses and free media access to political parties, are made for each one election.
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 14:33:08 GMT
PC13 If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
a. As related to the election period only
Source: Special laws, which give public financing for campaign expenses and free media access to political parties, are made for each one election.
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 14:42:10 GMT
PC14 If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
a. Free media access
b. Tax credits
Comments: a. Only official media
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 14:18:13 GMT
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
b. Based on result of previous election
Source: Special laws, which give public financing for campaign expenses and free media access to political parties, are made for each one election.
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 14:31:20 GMT
PC16 If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
b. Election campaign activities
Source: Special laws, which give public financing for campaign expenses and free media access to political parties, are made for each one election.
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 14:43:48 GMT
PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
a. Yes
Source: There is no law that regulates the financing of political parties.
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 14:29:26 GMT
PC18 If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
c. As related to the election period and between elections
Source: There is no law that regulates the financing of political parties.
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 14:45:31 GMT
PC19 Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
j. Not applicable
Comments: There are no party financing provisions.
Source: There is no law that regulates the financing of political parties.
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 14:47:03 GMT
PC20 Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?
j. Not applicable
Comments: There are no candidates financing provisions.
Source: There is no law that regulates the financing of candidates or political parties.
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 14:48:38 GMT
PC21 Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
a. National Electoral Management body
Comments: The Banco de la República (Central Bank) distributes the money among the political parties according to the data given by the Corte Electoral (EMB)on the results of the elections.
Source: Special laws, which give public financing for campaign expenses and free media access to political parties, are made for each election.
Last updated: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 13:56:25 GMT
Vote Counting
VC01 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
b. Multi-ballot (each party has own ballot, voter picks one ballot and places in envelope)
g. Different ballots used in different constituencies
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:22:56 GMT
VC02 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
b. Multi-ballot (each party has own ballot, voter picks one ballot and places in envelope)
g. Different ballots used in different constituencies
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:24:51 GMT
VC03 What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
b. Multi-ballot (each party has own ballot, voter picks one ballot and places in envelope)
g. Different ballot used in different constituencies
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:25:59 GMT
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Source: Electoral Law, chapter XI
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:26:39 GMT
VC05 What procedures are used in the initial count?
b. Preliminary count of all ballots in ballot box
c. Tally of voters who voted
d. Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters
f. Each ballot paper held up for public scrutiny, with name of party/candidate called out loud
j. Sorted into piles according to individual party/candidate
l. Counted by hand
m. Sorted by party list
s. Copies of results are provided to party agents
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 14:21:32 GMT
VC06 Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
d. Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
Comments: d)departaments
Source: Electoral Law, chapter XII
Last updated: Tue, 25 Jun 2002 07:58:03 GMT
VC07 At what levels are seats allocated?
c. Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
d. National level
Comments: c. departament d. Seats to the Chamber of Representatives are allocated at the departamental level, however, this is done by summing up the votes obtained by each party at a national level.
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:29:01 GMT
VC08 How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
a. Physically transported
c. By fax
f. By computer
Source: Electoral Law, chapters 116 and 118
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:30:52 GMT
VC09 If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
f. Certificate of result
g. Ballot boxes
Comments: A copy of the certificate of result is kept within the ballot box and other copies are distributed among each Junta Electoral for the departamental counting.
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 14:22:25 GMT
VC10 If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
e. Accompanied by election officials
f. Accompanied by party representatives
g. Accompanied by military personnel
Comments: g. accompanied by security personnel (either police or military)
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:31:51 GMT
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
d. By request
Source: Electoral Law, chapter XII
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:32:26 GMT
VC12 If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
e. Not applicable
Comments: Ballots are not automatically recounted. An official recounting may be needed if there are contradictions within the certificate of results.
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:34:03 GMT
VC13 If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
a. Political parties
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:34:31 GMT
VC14 If recounted, who conducts the recount?
b. Regional Election Management body
Source: Electoral Law, chapter XII
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:35:07 GMT
VC15 Are preliminary results announced?
a. Yes
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:35:35 GMT
VC16 If preliminary results are announced, how long after the close of polls is this done?
a. hours: X
Comments: Approximately 12 hrs
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 14:23:16 GMT
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
c. Local/County Electoral Management Bodies
Comments: The different departments' Electoral Management Bodies
Source: Electoral Law, art. 27 and following ones.
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 13:45:32 GMT
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
a. Continuously
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 13:42:57 GMT
VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
l. Other
Comments: Civic education takes place in schools. The organ responsible is the Public Education Council.
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 13:44:47 GMT
VE04 What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
c. Simulation exercises
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 13:46:25 GMT
Voting Operations
VO01 Approximately what percentage (on the basis of cost) of election day supplies and equipment are obtained or produced within the country?
a. 91-100%
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:06:24 GMT
VO02 Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
b. No
Comments: The Corte Electoral (EMB) gives instructions to election officials.
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:07:28 GMT
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Source: Electoral Law, chapter VIII
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:08:13 GMT
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
a. Outside the country voting is not permitted
Source: Constitution, art. 1 Electoral Law
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:09:28 GMT
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
g. Not applicable
Comments: Voting outside the country is not permitted.
Source: Constitution, art. 1 Electoral Law
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:10:16 GMT
VO06 Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
a. No
Source: Electoral Law, chapter VIII
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:10:57 GMT
VO07 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
f. Not applicable
Source: Electoral Law, chapter VIII
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:11:30 GMT
VO08 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
g. Not applicable
Source: Electoral Law, chapter VIII
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:12:39 GMT
VO09 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes
Source: Electoral Law, art. 23
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:15:42 GMT
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes, the maximum capacity is: 400
Source: Electoral Law, art. 23
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:16:15 GMT
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
g. Other
Comments: Placing the ballot of the voter's preference inside an envelope which is provided by the polling officers. Then, the voter himself puts the closed envelope into the ballot box.
Source: Electoral Law, Chapter VIII
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:17:14 GMT
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
Comments: There are always 3 members (public servants). Decisions are made by the majority.
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:18:42 GMT
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Source: Constitution, art. 80
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 13:31:44 GMT
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
Source: Constitution, art. 77
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 13:32:24 GMT
VR03 What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
a. Criminal Incarceration
d. Mental disability
h. Other
Comments: h. Being processed for a crime that will most probably result in a person's conviction for a period longer than 2 years.
Source: Constitution, art. 80
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 13:33:02 GMT
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
d. Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Corte Electoral
Source: Constitution, art. 322
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 13:33:53 GMT
VR05 What is the registration method for national elections?
b. Voters register
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 77 and 78
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 13:34:49 GMT
VR06 How frequently is the voters register updated?
a. Continuously
Source: Mr. Carlos Urruty, President, Corte Electoral
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 13:35:24 GMT
VR07 What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
e. Appearance by voter at registration office
Source: Law on the creation of the Corte electoral, chapter X
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 13:37:10 GMT
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