Paraguay readies for historical Presidential election (updated II).

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Paraguay readies for historical Presidential election.

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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: official female technocracy, opposition military conservatism and new leftist Catholicism. The electoral option with most votes will win the Presidency tomorrow. The newly elected President would take office by 15 August 2008.

Tomorrow, 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 and convicted coup leader Lino Oviedo, has presented an emergency plan to boost poor health and education. As 60% of Paraguayans live under poverty line, the opposition candidate of the Alianza Patriotica para el Cambio and ex Bishop, Fernando Lugo, promises a revision of income distribution and land reform.

During the electoral 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. They give Lugo a leading position at 35% of the electoral preferences; He would be followed by a 29% electoral preference earned by Lino Oviedo.  

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

PS: Elections began on Sunday April 20, 2008, at 7:00 AM. Polls are expected to close at 16:00 today. People are attending the ballots peacefully. However, the president of the Electoral Supreme Tribunal, Rafael Dendia, had to make an early clarification. Dendia rejected allegations made by International Observers. They claimed there was pressure on voters to favor the official candidate at the ballots.  All seven candidates have already casted their votes.

As voting ended and counting started, Paraguayans wait for electoral final results tonight. Preliminary results on 600 votes show a lead of the official candidate Blanca Ovelar. However, Spanish newspaper El Pais said exit polls gave victory to opposition candidate Fernando Lugo. Exit Polls show Lugo would win with 5 points over the official candidate Ovelar.  His victory has been confirmed by the counting of more than 33% of the votes.  His party- Alianza Patriotica para el Cambio- celebrates victory.

Sources: ABC, BBC Mundo, El Universal, Economist, Telesur, La Nacion, Fernando Lugo site, Ultima Hora, Miami Herald, Le Monde, Radio Cardinal, Telegraph, Ñanduti, RFI, El Mercurio, La Tercera, La Nacion, TSJE, VTV, Unionradio,