ANR Admits Low Turnout but Assures It's 'Within Range' for Internal Elections

The National Republican Association (ANR), also known as the Colorado Party, acknowledged a low turnout in its internal municipal elections on Sunday but asserted that participation levels are "within the range" of normal. Wildo Almirón, the party's general proxy, estimated that voter participation in the capital city, Asunción, hovered between 46% and 50%, a figure comparable to the 2021 elections.

Despite initial reports of low voter influx nationwide, the party leadership sought to minimize concerns about widespread absenteeism. They characterized the turnout as within expected parameters for internal elections. Almirón clarified that the most reliable technical data available pertained solely to Asunción, where participation stood at 37.6% by 2 p.m. He projected that the final figure would rise to between 46% and 50% by the 4 p.m. closing time.

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If this percentage is confirmed in the capital, we are talking about an absolutely normal scenario.

"If this percentage is confirmed in the capital, we are talking about an absolutely normal scenario," Almirón stated. He added that if the final turnout nears 50%, it would mean approximately 130,000 of the 250,000 registered Colorado Party members in Asunción cast their ballots. He contrasted this with the 2021 internal elections, where final participation reached 44% to 45%.

Almirón also mentioned that while they are awaiting concrete data from other departments, verbal reports from delegates suggest a similar trend. He urged caution and emphasized the need for precise figures before issuing a comprehensive analysis. The party directed members to the official Preliminary Electoral Results Transmission System (TREP) managed by the Superior Electoral Justice Tribunal (TSJE) for accurate, minute-by-minute updates on preliminary results and vote counts.

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In the 2021 elections, final participation reached 44% or 45%. If today we close near 50%, it means about 130,000 Colorado members out of 250,000 registered in Asunción voted.