MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay, May 9 (UPI) -- Uruguay's leftist politicians recorded some surprise victories in elections during the weekend, winning eight of 19 mayoral races.
Analysts had projected the leftist candidates would win, at most, six offices, El Pais reported Monday.
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The conservative National Party won 10 races, losing three in Sunday's voting. The former ruling Colorado Party lost four races, retaining only one mayoral post.
The surge of support for Uruguay's leftist candidates follows the October victory of Tabare Vazquez, the first leftist to win's the nation's presidency in 150 years.
Vazquez gained popularity by promising to tackle Uruguay's unemployment rate, which has been in double digits.
