13 Aug 2018 | 08:03 PM UTC
Paraguay: Presidential inauguration on August 15 /update 5
Presidential inauguration to take place in Asunción August 15; transportation disruptions and increased security expected
Event
The inauguration ceremony for President-elect Mario Abdo Benítez (Colorado Party) will take place on Wednesday, August 15, at the Palacio de López in the capital Asunción. Inauguration events are scheduled to take place from 07:00 (local time) to 15:30 on Wednesday. Roughly 5000 people and seven foreign heads of state are expected to be in attendance, and a consequent heightened security presence, road closures, and traffic disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the ceremony. Associated protests cannot be ruled out.
Context
In Paraguay's April 22 elections, Abdo Benítez was declared the winner over the Ganar Coalition's Efraín Alegre with 46.4 percent of the vote. On April 25, the national electoral authorities (Tribunal Superior de Justicia Electoral; TSJE) rejected a petition from the Ganar Coalition to conduct a recount amid accusations of fraud and irregular vote-counting.
Abdo Benítez will replace current President Horacio Cartes, also of the conservative Colorado Party, who was constitutionally ineligible for reelection.
Advice
Individuals present in Asunción on August 15 are advised to anticipate transportation disruptions surrounding the Palacio de López, avoid any potential protests, and follow all instructions issued by the local authorities.
