Paraguay party presidency may prove pyrrhic victory

Subject

Colorado Party splits and the outlook for re-election.

Significance

Ahead of municipal elections on November 15, all political parties selected their candidates on July 26. The 2.2 million registered members of the ruling Colorado Party also elected its governing body, the leaders of its 455 local party branches and representatives to its party conventions. Pedro Alliana, the chosen candidate of President Horacio Cartes, was voted in as new party president.

Impacts

• Cartes appears to be laying the groundwork for a constitutional amendment and re-election bid.
• However, he will find it difficult to carry his party with him.
• The Colorados themselves may derail much of Cartes's legislative and business agenda.