Paraguay: Protests due to the general election results may continue through at least mid-May in Asuncion and other locations

Event

Protest over alleged irregularities in the recent general elections may continue through at least mid-May in Asuncion and other areas of Paraguay. Demonstrations have occurred since the April 30 vote, mostly outside the Supreme Court of Electoral Justice's headquarters, located along Avenida Eusebio Ayala in Asuncion. Protests at this location are highly likely to continue over the coming days.

Roadblocks and protests in other locations, including near the Brazilian border in Ciudad del Este, and along highways in the outskirts of Asuncion, are possible. Heightened security outside government offices is highly likely. If the protests materialize, they will likely disrupt traffic and may lead to clashes.

Context

Santiago Pena of the ruling Colorado Party (Partido Colorado) won the presidential election with close to 44 percent of the vote, a large advantage over Efrain Alegre of the Concertation for a New Paraguay (Concertacion para un Nuevo Paraguay), and Paraguayo Cubas of the National Crusade Party (Cruzada Nacional) on April 30. Cubas immediately called on his supporters to protest the result, alleging fraud without much evidence. Protesters blocked dozens of roads nationwide May 1-2, and police used force and arrested multiple demonstrators to reopen highways and streets.

Since then, protests have mostly occurred in Asuncion, some of which with the support of Alegre, who calls for the electoral authorities to recount the results of the election. Authorities detained Cubas on May 5, on charges of disrupting public peace.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. Do not attempt to cross a roadblock if you encounter one. Allow additional time to reach your destination if operating in Paraguay through mid-May.