U RUGUAY has the reputation among students of Latin American government, and indeed among the Latin Americans themselves, of being one of the most democratic nations of the world in both form and fact.1 Many factors contribute to this impression, not the least of them being the freedom, in the fullest possible sense of that word, which is evidenced in the electoral system of the nation. For nearly thirty years this system has produced elections notable for their honesty and integrity. In an area in which elections are often considered honest if the most popular man wins and is allowed to take office even though he may not be the selection of the government party, a system productive of such results is nearly unique. Most Uruguayan political parties staunchly support the secret vote, proportional representation (PR), and the electoral bodies which implement this system; the importance of electoral honesty has long been realized.2 The principal opposition to PR is found in a section of the major party whose policies and ambitions would be furthered by the possession of a clear majority, which