Loss of Paraguay's capital stymies Cartes re-election

Significance

President Horacio Cartes suffered a setback in the November 15 municipal elections held in all of Paraguay's 250 municipalities. After 15 years, the ruling Colorado Party lost the mayoralty in Asuncion as well as losing in several major municipalities.

Impacts

• Already poor prospects for reforms during Cartes's term have diminished.
• Voter anger at perceived systemic corruption augurs poorly for political participation.
• There are currently no clear presidential frontrunners for 2018.