Paraguay Election 2008

Guide Note

The Paraguay Election 2008, a general election, was held on April 20, 2008. Early results showed Fernando Lugo in the lead with 41% of the vote, compared to Blanca Ovelar's 27% and Lino Oviedo's 21%. On the night of the election Ovelar conceded defeat to Lugo, who was declared the winner.

The Populist Bishop

Fernando Lugo, a former priest and bishop, took an early lead in polls that carried through the final election. Though a professed moderate, Lugo's policies have generated comparisons to leftist leaders like Hugo Chavez. His promises of social and economic reform, backed by the left-leaning Patriotic Alliance for Change, gained fast support among the many critics of the Colorado Party.

The Colorado Party

Former President Nicanor Duarte was barred from running for another term but endorsed Blanca Ovelar. Ovelar was the candidate for the ruling Colorado Party and the first women to be nominated for president in Paraguay. She sought to defend the party's 61 years of uninterrupted rule amidst widespread criticism of the party's failure to address rapidly increasing economic and social problems. Her nomination was contentious in the party and led to a split.

The party split

Lino Oviedo, a former general split from the Colorado Party following Blanca Ovelar's nomination and became a candidate for the UNAEC. Popular among some of Paraguay's poorest populations, Oviedo drew much of this important support from the Colorado Party in the Election.

Fast Facts

1. Scheduled for April 20, 2008
2. President Nicanor Duarte is barred from running for a second term
3. Presidential and parliamentary election
4. Backlash against activist groups and fighting in Paraguay's electoral court has raised some concerns for the fairness of the election

Blanca Ovelar Facts

1. Duarte has endorsed Blanca Ovelar
2. Olevar is the candidate for the Colorado Party
3. Olevar is the first woman to be nominated for president in Paraguay

Fernando Lugo Facts

1. Nominated by the APC
2. A Catholic Bishop, Fernando Lugo received a suspension of duties from The Vatican so he could run
3. Members of clergy are forbidden from running for office in Paraguay

Lino Oviedo Facts

1. Nominated by the UNAEC
2. Oviedo is a former Paraguayan general
3. Criticized for a speech in which he said he would use "any means necessary" to achieve power