MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Uruguay’s municipal elections: National Party dominates, Frente Amplio retains Montevideo

Bergara’s victory ensures that Montevideo will continue to be governed by the progressive coalition, which has held power in the capital since 1990.

Uruguay’s 2025 municipal and departmental (provincial) elections concluded with results reinforcing the country’s traditional political landscape. The left-wing Frente Amplio retained its stronghold in Montevideo and Canelones, while the center-right National Party (Partido Nacional) maintained its dominance across most rural regions, securing a total of 13 departments.

National Party’s Stronghold 

The National Party solidified its influence in the interior and rural regions, winning a total of 13 departments. These include Artigas, Cerro Largo, Colonia, Durazno, Flores, Florida, Maldonado, Paysandú, Rocha, Tacuarembó, Treinta y Tres, and Soriano.

Carlos Albisu’s victory in Salto, a significant department that had been governed by the Frente Amplio for two terms, was a major win for the center-right coalition. Albisu ran under the Republican Coalition (Coalición Republicana), a bloc that united the National Party, Colorado Party, Cabildo Abierto, and independent groups.

Frente Amplio Secures Montevideo and Canelones 

In Montevideo, Uruguay’s most populous department, the left-wing Frente Amplio maintained control with Mario Bergara winning the mayoral race by a wide margin. This victory continues the party’s uninterrupted governance of the capital since 1990. Bergara, a former senator, has pledged to focus on social justice and sustainable development.

In Canelones, Francisco Legnani, a close ally of President Yamandú Orsi and a member of the Frente Amplio, secured a clear victory, ensuring the continuation of the party’s leadership in the department. Canelones is a significant stronghold for the Frente Amplio, having been led by Orsi before his election as president.

Notably, Frente Amplio also regained control of Río Negro, a department it had lost five years ago to the National Party. The victory there adds to the party’s list of urban strongholds. 

Republican Coalition Gains Ground

The Republican Coalition, an alliance of center-right and right-wing parties, achieved significant victories, solidifying its position as a key player in the country’s political landscape. These victories demonstrate a growing influence of the coalition in key departments outside the traditional strongholds of the National Party.

This year’s election saw a record voter turnout of 87%, surpassing the 85% recorded in 2020. Despite concerns about “electoral fatigue,” as noted by President Yamandú Orsi, citizens across the country turned out in large numbers to elect their local leaders.

The election process was generally peaceful, with polling stations operating from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Electoral Court quickly processed the votes, and by late evening, clear results were available in most departments.

The 2025 municipal elections mark the end of the country’s latest electoral cycle, which began in 2024 with the general elections that brought Yamandú Orsi to the presidency. Uruguay’s high voter turnout and orderly process continue to set an example of democratic participation in the region.

Key Takeaways:

- Frente Amplio: Secured Montevideo, Canelones, and regained Río Negro. 

- National Party: Retained 13 departments, maintaining its rural stronghold.

- Republican Coalition: Achieved a key victory in Salto.

- Lavalleja: Remains undecided, with a narrow lead for the Frente Amplio pending the count of observed votes.