MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Paraguayan president short of Congressional majority

Mr. Nicanor Duarte was officially proclaimed this week by the Paraguayan Electoral Tribunal as the country's next president following the results of the April 27 general elections.

However Mr. Duarte who belongs to the ruling Colorado Party, that has been in power since 1947, is short of a majority in Congress and is forced to find an understanding with a splintered opposition to ensure governship. A difficult task for a party that has ruled with an ample majority and for Mr. Duarte who will receive a country with its economy in shambles, literally threatened by domestic and international default.

Mr. Duarte final count was 37,14%, a 13,10 points difference over runner up Julio César Franco from the main opposition party, Liberal Radical Authentic Party with 23,95%.

Third placed was Catholic businessman Pedro Fadul with 21,28% and Senator Guillermo Sánchez from the National Union of Ethical Citizens 13,47%.

Senator Sánchez actually represents former general Lino Oviedo exiled in Brazil and claimed by Paraguay for masterminding a frustrated coup.

April 27 elections only attracted to the polls 64% of the electorate compared to the 80% of the previous presidential election in 1998.

According to theses results the new 45 member Senate will have 16 Colorados; 12 who respond to Mr. Franco; Mr. Fadul and Mr. Sánchez 7 each plus three belonging to minority forces.

The 80 Deputies will be split among 37 Colorados; 21 for PLRA; Mr. Fadul and Mr. Sánchez 10 each and 2 for a minority party.

Mr. Duarte, vice-president Luis Castiglioni, and the elected Senators will be officially notified this Wednesday by the Electoral Tribunal and next May 23 the different electoral circumscriptions will so the same with the elected members of the Lower House, Governors and local Councillors.

The incoming Congress will begin business next July first and the successor of caretaker president Luis González Macchi, Mr. Nicanor Duarte will take office August 15 for a five year period.