19 Apr 2018 | 07:14 AM UTC
Paraguay: General elections Sunday, April 22 /update 1
Campaigning for the April 22 presidential elections starts on February 19; increase in political events expected in coming weeks
Event
Up to 4 million Paraguayans will head to the polls on Sunday, April 22, to choose their next president as well as vote in legislative and departmental elections. A total of 1099 polling centers will be open nationwide. The Supreme Court of Electoral Justice (TSJE) has announced that it will coordinate with the National Police to provide security during the vote. Political rallies may take place in the days leading up to the election. Heighten security measures and general disruptions are anticipated on Sunday.
Context
Current President Horacio Cartes, in power since August 2013, will not be eligible for reelection. The ruling PC party (Partido Colorado) is running former senate president Mario Abdo Benítez as their candidate for president. The main opposition party PLRA (Partido Liberal Radical Auténtico) has nominated Efraín Alegre, a former minister.
Advice
Individuals in Paraguay are advised to keep abreast of the situation and avoid all protests as a precaution, as well as polling stations on election day.
