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Parliament name (generic / translated) Asamblea General / General Assembly More photos  >>> Structure of parliament Bicameral Chamber name (generic / translated) Cámara de Senadores / Senate Related chamber (for bicameral parliaments) Cámara de Representantes / House of Representatives Affiliation to the IPU Yes Affiliation date(s) 1930 - 1935 1985 - LEADERSHIP President Danilo Astori (M)  Notes Sworn in on 1 March 2010. Secretary General Hugo Rodríguez Filippini (M)  Notes Elected for the 47th Legislature (2010 - 2015). COMPOSITION Members (statutory / current number) 31 / 31 PERCENTAGE OF WOMEN More statistics  >>> Women (current number) 4 (12.90%) Mode of designation directly elected 30 other 1 Notes Other: the Vice-President of the Republic is an ex officio member. Term 5 years Last renewal dates 25 October 2009 (View details) CONTACT INFORMATION Address Cámara de Senadores Asamblea General Palacio Legislativo Avenida de las Leyes s/n Montevideo Uruguay (Export mailing lists) Phone (598) 2203 65 98 2401 73 27 Fax (598) 2209 70 11 E-mail rintcss@parlamento.gub.uy ipuuru@parlamento.gub.uy Website http://www.parlamento.gub.uy

Parliament name (generic / translated) Asamblea General / General Assembly Structure of parliament Bicameral Chamber name (generic / translated) Cámara de Senadores / Senate Related chamber (for bicameral parliaments) Cámara de Representantes / House of Representatives LEGAL FRAMEWORK Electoral law 1 October 1925 Mode of designation directly elected 30 other 1 Constituencies 1 multi-member (30 seats) national-wide constituency. Voting system Proportional: 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. Voting is compulsory, unjustified abstention being punishable by a fine. Voter requirements - age: 18 years - Uruguayan citizenship - presence in country on polling day - disqualifications: mental illness, conviction for criminal offence CANDIDATES Eligibility - age: 30 years - Uruguayan citizenship by birth or naturalization for at least 7 years - full possession of civil rights Incompatibilities - judges - prosecuting attorneys - police officials - directors of national companies - members of the armed forces on active duty Candidacy requirements - lists of candidates must be sumitted by political parties to the national Electoral Court at least 20 days prior to the elections.

Parliament name (generic / translated) Asamblea General / General Assembly Structure of parliament Bicameral Chamber name (generic / translated) Cámara de Senadores / Senate Related chamber (for bicameral parliaments) Cámara de Representantes / House of Representatives BACKGROUND Dates of election / renewal (from/to) 25 October 2009 Timing and scope of renewal Elections were held for all elective seats in the Senate on the normal expiry of the members' term of office. At stake in the 2009 elections were all 99 seats in the House of Representatives and the 30 seats in the Senate. They were held in parallel with the presidential elections and two referenda: one on whether to repeal the amnesty law concerning human rights abuses committed during the military rule between 1973 and 1985 and another on allowing voters abroad to use postal ballots. In the previous elections held in October 2004, the Broad Front (Frente Amplio, FA) coalition - comprising the Progressive Encounter, the Broad Front and the New Majority - took 53 seats in the House of Representatives and 17 in the Senate. The FA's victory effectively ended 170 years of political control by the National Party (PN) and the Colorado Party (PC). The former took 34 seats in the House and 10 in the Senate, while the latter won 10 and three seats respectively. The Independent Party (PI) took the two remaining seats in the House of Representatives. The FA candidate, Mr. Tabaré Vázquez, won the run-off presidential elections in November 2004. Upon assuming office in March 2005, Mr. Vázquez implemented large public works, including the construction of a new airport, and distributed personal computers to school children. Despite the global economic crisis, the country's economy remained stable. Gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to rise by 1.2 per cent in 2009. In March 2009, the House of Representatives approved a law to increase the percentage of women on the candidates' lists for elections at all levels. However, it will only apply as of the parliamentary elections due in 2014 (see note). In the 2009 elections, the FA endorsed Senator José Mujica as its presidential candidate. A former member of the rebel Tupamaros National Liberation Movement (MLN), he was challenged by former president Luis Alberto Lacalle (PN) and Mr. Pedro Bordaberry (PC). Mr. Bordaberry is the son of former president Juan María Bordaberry, who ceded control of the government to the military in 1973 and was arrested in November 2006 in connection with the 1976 assassination of two legislators in Buenos Aires. The FA pledged to solve housing problems, create jobs and fight poverty. Mr. Mujica, who advocates a simple life, ran on an anti-consumerism platform. He used public transport during the election campaign. Thanks to his popularity, the FA reportedly enjoyed increasing support from the youth, the poor and the liberal classes. The PN pledged to work for security, employment and independence. It also promised to remove the income tax introduced by the FA government. PC leader Bordaberry promised a lower tax burden for people and promised to establish a merit-based pay system. Although voting is compulsory, only 89 per cent of the 2.6 million registered voters cast their ballot. The FA retained the majority in both chambers, taking 50 seats in the House of Representatives and 16 in the Senate. The PN took 30 and nine seats respectively. The PC followed with 17 and five. The PI, led by Mr. Pablo Mieres, retained two seats in the House of Representatives. Fourteen women were elected to the House of Representatives and four to the Senate. Neither referendum received the required majority: 47 per cent of the voters supported the abolition of the amnesty law while 36 per cent supported the postal ballot for overseas citizens. No candidate won the required majority in the presidential elections to be elected in the first round. The run-off elections between Mr. Mujica (FA) and Mr. Lacalle (PN), backed by the PC, were held on 29 November. Mr. Mujica (FA) was elected with over 52 per cent of the votes. On 15 February 2010, the newly elected members were sworn in. The House of Representatives elected Ms. Ivonne Passada (FA) as its new Speaker for one year. The Senate elected Ms. Lucía Topolansky (FA), wife of the President-elect Mujica, as its President for a period of 15 February to 1 March 2010. It was the first time that both chambers in Uruguay were led by female presiding officers. On 1 March, Mr. Mujica (FA) was sworn in as the country's President along with his deputy, Mr. Danilo Astori (FA). The latter assumes the post of Senate President for five years. Note: Party lists must comprise candidates of both sexes in every three places from the beginning to the end of the list, or at least in the first 15 places of the list. This rule applies to both the list of titular and substitute members. In the electoral districts used for the House of Representatives where only two seats are being contested, the two titular candidates must include one man and one woman. The government promulgated the law on 13 April, but it will only apply starting from the parliamentary elections scheduled for 2014. STATISTICS Voter turnout Round no 1 25 October 2009 Number of registered electors Voters Blank or invalid ballot papers Valid votes 2'563'250 2'304'685 (89.91%) Notes Distribution of votes Round no 1 Political group Candidates Votes % of votes Broad Front (FA) Nationalist Party (PN) Colorado Party Distribution of seats Round no 1 Political Group Total of seats Broad Front (FA) 16 Nationalist Party (PN) 9 Colorado Party 5 Distribution of seats according to sex Men Women Percent of women 26 4 13.33% Distribution of seats according to age Distribution of seats according to profession Comments Source: IPU Group (04.12.2009, 01.01.2010)

Parliament name (generic / translated) Asamblea General / General Assembly Structure of parliament Bicameral Chamber name (generic / translated) Cámara de Senadores / Senate Related chamber (for bicameral parliaments) Cámara de Representantes / House of Representatives APPOINTMENT AND TERM OF OFFICE Title President of the General Assembly and of the Senat Term - duration: 5 years (term of House) - normal date of expiry: the 14th of February preceding the inauguration of the new Chamber - reasons for interruption of the term: resignation, death, dissolution of the Senate Appointment - the Vice-President of the Republic is ex officio President of the Senate - last Sunday of November every five years - prior to validation of mandates and swearing-in Eligibility - any citizen over 30 years of age, of Uruguayan nationality or naturalized at least 7 years ago may be a candidate (except for judges, prosecutors, police officers and servicemen) - notification of candidature: 30 days prior to elections Voting system - formal vote by secret ballot - simple majority, one round Procedures / results NA (no information received) STATUS Status - as both President of the Senate and Vice-President of the Republic, he ranks second in the order of precedence after the President of the Republic - presides over joint meetings of both Houses - represents the Senate with the public authorities - represents the Senate in international bodies - in the absence of the President, the Senator representing the party with the most votes in the last national elections can assume his/her role and functions Board Material facilities - salary double that of the other MPs - official car - secretariat - bodyguards - military attaché FUNCTIONS Organization of parliamentary business - convenes sessions - refers texts to a committee for study Chairing of public sittings - can open, adjourn and close sittings - ensures respect for provisions of the Constitution and Standing Orders - makes announcements concerning the Senate, as does the Legislative Secretary - takes disciplinary measures in the event of disturbance, and lifts such measures - establishes the list of speakers, gives and withdraws permission to speak - checks the quorum - authenticates the texts adopted and the records of debates, together with the Legislative Secretary - interprets the rules or other regulations governing the life of the Senate, relying on precedents Special powers - presents a draft budget to the Senate - recruits, assigns and promotes staff - appoints the Clerk - organizes the services of the Senate - is responsible for relations with foreign Parliaments - is responsible for safety, and in this capacity, can call the police in the event of disturbance in the Senate Speaking and voting rights, other functions - takes the floor in legislative debates, by leaving his seat - provides guidelines for the interpretation or completion of the text under discussion, like any Senator - takes part in voting - proposes bills or amendments - intervenes in the parliamentary oversight procedure - can propose members of the Supreme Court, the Tribunal for Administrative Disputes, the Audit Office and the Electoral Court, like the other Senators

Parliament name (generic / translated) Asamblea General / General Assembly Structure of parliament Bicameral Chamber name (generic / translated) Cámara de Senadores / Senate Related chamber (for bicameral parliaments) Cámara de Representantes / House of Representatives NATURE Nature of the mandate Start of the mandate · On 15 February following the national elections that take place, every five years, on the last Sunday of November (Art. 104 (1) of the Constitution of 27.11.1966, as amended up to and including 08.12.1996) Validation of mandates · Validation by the Electoral Court only in case of challenge (Art. 322 (c) of the Constitution) · Procedure (Art. 326 and 327 of the Constitution, Art. 158 to 165 of the Electoral Law) End of the mandate · On the day when the legal term of the House ends (see Art. 97 of the Constitution). The Permanent Commission of the General Assembly continues to exercise its functions until the new Chambers are organised (Art. 131 (8) of the Constitution). In case of early dissolution, the mandate ends on the day the new Assembly meets (Art. 148 (10) and (16) of the Constitution) (for early dissolution, see Art. 148 of the Constitution). Can MPs resign? Yes · Yes, of their own free will · Procedure (Art. 115 (3) of the Constitution, Rules 54 and 55 (1) of the Rules of Procedure of the Senate) (see also Pension scheme) · Authority competent to accept the resignation: the Senate Can MPs lose their mandate ? Yes (a) Definitive exclusion from Parliament by the latter: 1. By the Senate: - Exclusion (Art. 115 (2) of the Constitution, see also Code of conduct) 2. By both Chambers: - Impeachment (Art. 93, 102 and 103 of the Constitution, see also Code of conduct) STATUS OF MEMBERS Rank in hierarchy · Within Parliament: 1. The members of the Board 2. The Vice-Presidents of the Senate 3. The Presidents of the Committees, for certain acts or ceremonies 4. The other senators · Outside Parliament: the official order of precedence ranks the President in the 2nd position, and the other senators in the 11th position. Indemnities, facilities and services · Diplomatic passport · Basic salary (see also Art. 117 of the Constitution): U$ 40,000 (US$ 4,000) · No exemption from tax · Pension scheme (Art. 77 (2) No. 10, and 111 (1) of the Constitution) · Other facilities: (a) Secretariat (b) Assistants (Art. 107 of the Constitution, Rules 96 to 103 of the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly, Rules 112 (14) and (15), and 119 to 127 of the Rules of Procedure of the Senate) (c) Postal and telephone services (d) Travel: when decided by the Senate Obligation to declare personal assets Yes Parliamentary immunity - parliamentary non-accountability · The concept does exist (Art. 112 of the Constitution, see also Rule 92 (C) of the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly). · Parliamentary non-accountability applies to words spoken and written by senators both within and outside Parliament. · Derogations: waiver of immunity; offence or insult (Rules 84, 85 No. 3 of the Rules of Procedure of the Senate, see Discipline) · Non-accountability takes effect on the day when the mandate begins and offers. Parliamentary immunity - parliamentary inviolability · The concept does exist (Art. 113 and 114 of the Constitution). · It applies to criminal and civil proceedings, covers all offences with the exception of traffic offences, and protects senators from arrest and from being held in preventive custody, from the opening of judicial proceedings against them and from their homes being searched. · Derogations: in cases of flagrante delicto, the senator can be arrested. Notice shall immediately be given to the Senate, with a summary report of the case. · Parliamentary inviolability does not prevent senators from being called as witnesses before a judge or tribunal. However, they may reply in writing, without appearing before a judge or tribunal. · Protection is provided from the start to the end of the mandate, including between early dissolution of the House and the election of a new Parliament, and also covers judicial proceedings instituted against senators before their election. · Parliamentary immunity (inviolability) can be lifted (Art. 114 of the Constitution): - Competent authority: the Senate - Procedure (Art. 114 of the Constitution). In this case, senators need not be heard. They do not have means of appeal. · Parliament cannot subject the prosecution and/or detention to certain conditions. · Parliament cannot suspend the prosecution and/or detention of one of its members. · In the event of preventive custody or imprisonment, the senators concerned cannot be authorised to attend sittings of Parliament. EXERCISE OF THE MANDATE Training · There is no training/initiation process on parliamentary practices and procedures for MPs, nor is there a handbook of parliamentary procedure. Participation in the work of the Parliament · It is compulsory for senators to be present at plenary sittings and committee meetings (Rules 30 (1) and 91 (B) of the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly, Rule 50 of the Rules of Procedure of the Senate). For leave of absence, see Rule 30 (2) of the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly. · Penalties foreseen in case of failure to fulfil this obligation: - Admonition (Rule 29 (2) of the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly) - Deduction of salary (Art. 117 (1) and (2) of the Constitution, Rule 14 of the Rules of Procedure of the Senate) - Other penalties for non-attendance at the opening sitting of the General Assembly (Art. 109 of the Constitution) · Body competent to judge such cases/to impose penalties: - Admonition: the President - Other penalties for non-attendance at the opening sitting of the General Assembly: the senators present Discipline · The rules governing discipline within Parliament are contained in Rules 84 to 92, 112 No. 6 and 7, and 118 of the Rules of Procedure of the Senate. For the General Assembly, see Rules 58 to 64, 91 (G), 92 (E), and 93 (2) No. 6 and 7 of the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly. · Disciplinary measures foreseen: - Interruption (Rules 85 to 87 of the Rules of Procedure of the Senate) - Call to order, with loss of the floor (Rules 90 to 92, and 112 No. 6 of the Rules of Procedure of the Senate) - Warning for irrelevance (Rules 88 and 89, and 112 No. 6 of the Rules of Procedure of the Senate) - Adjournment of the House, suspension of the sitting (Rules 112 No. 7 and 118 of the Rules of Procedure of the Senate) · Specific cases: - Offence or insult (Rules 84, 85 No. 3 of the Rules of Procedure of the Senate): interruption · Competent body to judge such cases/to impose penalties (Rule 112 No. 6 and 7 of the Rules of Procedure of the Senate): - Interruption, offence or insult, adjournment of the House, suspension of the sitting: the President - Call to order, with loss of the floor, warning for irrelevance: the President, on his own instigation or on that of another senator: the Senate · Procedure: - Interruption, offence or insult (Rules 84 to 87 of the Rules of Procedure of the Senate) - Call to order, with loss of the floor (Rules 90 to 92, and 112 No. 6 of the Rules of Procedure of the Senate) - Warning for irrelevance (Rules 88 and 89, and 112 No. 6 of the Rules of Procedure of the Senate) - Adjournment of the House, suspension of the sitting (Rules 112 No. 7 and 118 of the Rules of Procedure of the Senate) Code (rules) of conduct · This concept does not exist in the country's juridical system but there are some relevant provisions (Art. 93, 102, 103, and 115 of the Constitution). · Penalties foreseen for violation of the rules of conduct: - Reprimand (Art. 115 (1) of the Constitution) - Suspension (Art. 115 (1) of the Constitution) - Loss of mandate (Art. 115 (2) of the Constitution, exclusion) - Loss of mandate (Art. 93, 102 and 103 of the Constitution, impeachment) · Competent body to judge such cases/to impose penalties: - Reprimand, suspension, loss of mandate (exclusion): the Senate - Loss of mandate (impeachment): the Chamber of Representatives and the Senate · Procedure: - Reprimand, suspension (Art. 115 (1) of the Constitution). - Loss of mandate (Art. 115 (2) of the Constitution, exclusion). - Loss of mandate (Art. 93, 102 and 103 of the Constitution, impeachment). In this case, MPs have means of recourse. Relations between MPs and pressure group · There are no legal provisions in this field.

This page was last updated on 7 September 2011
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