Paraguay: Electoral recount demand rejected /update 4

Event

On Wednesday, April 25, the national electoral authorities (Tribunal Superior de Justicia Electoral; TSJE) rejected a petition from the Ganar political coalition to conduct a recount following the April 22 presidential elections. The losing candidate, Efraín Alegre of the center-left Ganar coalition, has levied accusations of fraud and raised doubts regarding the veracity of the current vote counting system. Peaceful demonstrations by Alegre supporters have taken place in the capital Asunción outside the TSJE. Further protests with the potential to result in violence or disruptions cannot be ruled out.

Context

Mario Abdo Benítez of the ruling conservative Colorado Party was declared the winner based on preliminary results released on the evening of April 22. No major disturbances were reported on election day.

Current President Horacio Cartes, in power since August 2013, was not eligible for reelection. Benítez is currently set to begin his five-year term on August 15.

Advice

Individuals in Paraguay are advised to keep abreast of the situation and avoid all protests as a precaution.