José "Pepe" Mujica is just your average guy. He has a humble estate and works as a farmer, living quietly with his wife. But one of the things that sets Pepe apart from the other two candidates is the time he was held as a prisoner during the military dictatorship in the 1960s and 70s because of his affiliation with the urban guerrilla movement known as the Tupamaros. After the country returned to democracy in 1984, Pepe returned to the political scene and has been an advocate for the people ever since. One of his campaign songs (which wakes me up just about every morning) says, "Let's go, Pepe! Pepe for the people, let's go!" And the people looooove him! I, personally, cannot understand a word he is saying because he's all mumbly and stuff, but that's part of his image. He doesn't believe in wearing suits unless he feels like he must out of respect for foreign officials visiting Uruguay, and he definitely never wears a tie. He does, however, promise to improve his image somewhat, for the sake of diplomacy, should he be elected. And by the looks of Montevideo, there's no way he can lose. 
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Representing the Partido Colorado is Pedro Bordaberry. To me, he's the cutest candidate of them all. From what I understand, he is a very qualified candidate (and this is information coming from talking with Uruguayans of all political persuasions), but his last name isn't doing him any favors. His father was president during the dictatorship until the military ousted him. Later it came to light that his father won the election by fraud, and then he was later arrested for the murder of 2 people during the dictatorship. He has been serving his prison sentence under house arrest in his son's home. Anyway, no matter how qualified Pedro is Uruguayans are not forgetting the dictatorship and the 172 people who were effectively "disappeared" during that time period any time soon. Pedro, you're "Vamos Uruguay" campaign failed to win the peoples' hearts and you ain't gonna win. Better luck next time.
Representing the "Blancos" (aka Partido Nacional) is Luis Alberto Lacalle. He is called "Cuqui" (Cookie), a nickname given to him by his sister when they were kids and it stuck. He's basically banking on the fact that, being the only candidate to have already served 1 term as president, he's got the experience that people are looking for. Traditionally, his party supports the rural communities of Uruguay, which means everyone that doesn't live in Montevideo (half the country) votes "Blanco." Right now, the polls are saying it's 50-50, Mujica-Lacalle. I would love to give you some more info on Lacalle (or even proof read this post), but the sun is setting, horns are honking and the last ballots are being cast. I see asado (Uruguayan barbeque), beer and a lot of happy Frente Amplistas in my very near future!
The Frente Amplio ("Broad Front") had a rally outside my apartment on Wednesday night. The current president (Tabaré Vázquez), also a member of the Frente Amplio, was there supporting Mujica, along with about 200,000 crazed Frente Amplistas marching 20 blocks of the main boulevard singing, chanting, waving flags, cussing, drinking beer and most importantly, waving their flags. Please do a Google image search of the Frente Amplio to understand what I mean when I say it was a sea of red, white and blue. I'm not a Socialist, but it was a beautiful sight.
The right to hold elections is a wonderful thing, and Uruguayans do not take it for granted. Voting is obligatory in this country, but the majority of people don't see it that way at all. They see it as a civic duty, and they appreciate the right to exercise it. Those who do not agree with someone forcing them to vote pay a fine. This, to me, is silly because it's not like you MUST choose a candidate. You can submit a blank ballot...although someone said blank ballots go to Mujica this election year. I didn't really understand why, but when I figure it out I may let you know. Anyway, I think the fine is about 800 pesos, which is 40 bucks. Not chump change, for sure, but not unmanageable either. I seriously doubt, however, that any lefties will be paying that fine this year. At all the election sites I saw today, there were about 50 Frente Amplio flags and only 1 or 2 flags for the Partido Nacional or the Partido Colorado.
Representing the Partido Colorado is Pedro Bordaberry. To me, he's the cutest candidate of them all. From what I understand, he is a very qualified candidate (and this is information coming from talking with Uruguayans of all political persuasions), but his last name isn't doing him any favors. His father was president during the dictatorship until the military ousted him. Later it came to light that his father won the election by fraud, and then he was later arrested for the murder of 2 people during the dictatorship. He has been serving his prison sentence under house arrest in his son's home. Anyway, no matter how qualified Pedro is Uruguayans are not forgetting the dictatorship and the 172 people who were effectively "disappeared" during that time period any time soon. Pedro, you're "Vamos Uruguay" campaign failed to win the peoples' hearts and you ain't gonna win. Better luck next time.Representing the "Blancos" (aka Partido Nacional) is Luis Alberto Lacalle. He is called "Cuqui" (Cookie), a nickname given to him by his sister when they were kids and it stuck. He's basically banking on the fact that, being the only candidate to have already served 1 term as president, he's got the experience that people are looking for. Traditionally, his party supports the rural communities of Uruguay, which means everyone that doesn't live in Montevideo (half the country) votes "Blanco." Right now, the polls are saying it's 50-50, Mujica-Lacalle. I would love to give you some more info on Lacalle (or even proof read this post), but the sun is setting, horns are honking and the last ballots are being cast. I see asado (Uruguayan barbeque), beer and a lot of happy Frente Amplistas in my very near future!
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