Paraguay readies for historical Presidential election.

Caracas, Venezuela, 19 April 2008. Paraguay readies for Presidential elections. Over 2.8 millions would be able to go to the ballots tomorrow. On such historical occasion, three different political forces come into play: female technocracy, military conservatism and leftist catholicism. The traditional political elite led by Partido Colorado would be confronted with a new left leaning forced headed by Ex Bishop Fernado Lugo. Such confrontation could end the 60 year grip on power of the Colorado party.Its party candidate, Blanca Ovelar, offers the continuation of neo-liberal policies set by current President Nicanor Duarte. On the other hand, Ultra conservative Lino Oviedo, has presented an emergency plan to bost health and education. As 60% of Paraguayans live under poverty line, the opposition candidate of the Alianza Patriotica para el Cambio, Fernando Lugo, promises a revision of income distribution and land reform.

During the campaign there have been numerous allegations linking opposition candidate - Fernando Lugo - to both Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Frías. While an OAS  Observation mission in Paraguay has denied any confirmation of such allegations, Chavez has also rejected suggestions his government backs Lugo.  In an interview at Telesur, Human Rights activist Martin Almada predicted Lugo would win tomorrow with over 50% of the votes. However, ABC cites other figures which give Lugo a leading position at 35% of the electoral preferences and followed by a 29% of Lino Oviedo.  

Over 130 journalist would be covering the event while the OAS and IFES would act as international observers of the electoral event.

Sources: ABC, BBC Mundo, El Universal, Economist, Telesur, La Nacion, Fernando Lugo site, Ultina Hora, Miami Herald,