MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Former Uruguayan President José Mujica misses municipal election day due to health concerns

Current Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi confirmed Mujica’s deteriorating health after visiting him on Friday. “He's in very bad shape,” Orsi told reporters.

Former Uruguayan President José “Pepe” Mujica, a global icon of humility and leftist politics, did not participate in Sunday’s municipal elections due to serious health issues. The 88-year-old former leader, known for his austere lifestyle and philosophical reflections, remained at his rural home west of Montevideo.

Mujica, who has a long history of voting early alongside his wife, former Vice President Lucía Topolansky, was notably absent from his usual polling station. Topolansky cast her ballot at School 159 without speaking to the press.

Current Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi confirmed Mujica’s deteriorating health after visiting him on Friday. “He's in very bad shape,” Orsi told reporters.

Alejandro Sánchez, Secretary of the Presidency, further elaborated on Mujica’s condition after casting his own vote. “Pepe is fine. We all know he has a terminal illness, and we are waiting for that outcome,” Sánchez said. He added that Mujica hopes to celebrate his 90th birthday on May 20.

Mujica, who served as Uruguay’s president from 2010 to 2015, is a former guerrilla fighter turned politician who gained global recognition for his simple lifestyle, his focus on social welfare, and his outspoken support for progressive causes.

“The cancer in my esophagus is colonizing my liver. I can't stop it with anything. Why? Because I am an old man and because I have two chronic diseases. There is no room for biochemical treatment or surgery because my body can't take it,” he told Búsqueda in an interview last year.

Uruguay’s 2025 Municipal and Departmental Elections: A Snapshot of the Day

- Voter Turnout: 87% of the eligible population voted, surpassing the 85% turnout recorded in the 2020 elections.

- Preliminary Results: According to La Diaria’s Citizen Perception Unit, the leftist Frente Amplio is expected to retain Montevideo and Canelones, with Mario Bergara and Francisco Legnani projected as mayors.

- Voting Schedule: Polling stations were open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The first official results are expected around 11:30 p.m.

- Turnout by Region: High participation was recorded in Durazno, Colonia, Florida, Flores, and Lavalleja, all exceeding 65%. In contrast, Montevideo and Canelones had lower turnout, around 58%.

The election day proceeded without major incidents. President Yamandú Orsi acknowledged some “electoral fatigue” among the population, given that these elections close the electoral cycle that began in 2024.