MONTEVIDEO, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- Gubernatorial and mayoral elections in Uruguay's 19 departments, or states, unfolded smoothly on Sunday under strict social distancing measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The situation must be classified as (taking place with) great normality. People are voting quickly and respecting sanitary protocols. We can make a positive report," the vice president of the Electoral Court, Wilfredo Penco, told Xinhua.

Some 2.6 million of Uruguay's 3.4 million people are eligible to vote in these elections, which were originally scheduled for May 10, but postponed due to the pandemic.

President Luis Lacalle Pou's ruling National Party (PN) faces its first electoral challenge since winning the presidency in March, putting an end to 15 years of government by the Broad Front (Frente Amplio).

The PN governs over 12 heavily agricultural departments in the south, center and northeast of the country, and aims to increase that number.

According to polls, the Broad Front is assured continuity in the capital Montevideo, where almost half of the population lives, and in southern Canelones, the country's second most populated department.

Voting is mandatory for those over 18 years of age. Those who do not justify their absence at the polls face a fine of 1,200 pesos (28 U.S. dollars). Enditem