The formally called elecciones internas (Spanish for 'Internal elections') are the first stage of the electoral system established by the Constitution of 1997.
[4] In order to win the primary election and be proclaimed a presidential candidate, the pre-candidate must obtain an absolute majority of the party's valid votes.
[8] José Mujica became the Broad Front's candidate, winning over Danilo Astori and Marcos Carámbula.
The National Party chose Luis Alberto Lacalle over Jorge Larrañaga and Irineu Riet Correa.
Pedro Bordaberry won the Colorado Party candidacy, beating out José Amorín, Luis Antonio Hierro López, and Daniel Lamas.