Presidential elections are to be held this fall. It seemed banners and signs were placed over every free inch of available space. Many buildings were specially painted for one candidate or another. Many of the storefronts were vacant in downtown Tacuarembó and many others were occupied by political parties, which makes me wonder what will happen to the downtown after the election. There are two major political parties in Uruguay: the Colorados (reds) and the Blancos (whites). There is a coalition of left wing parties that are expected to be competitive as well.