Luque opposition candidates advance unification plan

Opposition candidates vying for the mayoral seat in Luque, Paraguay, are making progress toward unifying their front for the upcoming municipal elections. The candidates met for a second time on Tuesday at the headquarters of the Partido Liberal Radical Auténtico (PLRA) to discuss a potential agreement.

PLRA President Alcides Riveros convened the meeting, bringing together councilors Manuel “Manolo” Achucarro Gill (PLRA - Lista 2) and Belén Maldonado (Alianza - Lista 3), along with former Paraguayan national football team captain José Luis Chilavert (Alianza - Lista 5). All expressed their willingness to unify the opposition's candidacy, though the specific methodology for selecting a single candidate and the exact date for this selection remain undecided.

The deadline for candidates to withdraw or make substitutions without appearing on the ballot is August 7, set by the Superior Electoral Justice Tribunal (TSJE). The opposition's primary objective is to consolidate their votes to counter the candidate from the ruling Colorado Party, Hugo “Hugui” Farías. The current mayor, Carlos Echeverría of the ANR, has held the position for two terms since 2015.

Councilor Maldonado reported that a third meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, involving technical teams from all three candidates, to further develop the methodology for choosing a single opposition candidate for Luque. This move signifies a concerted effort by the opposition to present a united front against the established political power in the upcoming October 4 municipal elections.

“

Los aspirantes a la intendencia volvieron a expresar su predisposición a unificar la candidatura opositora pero todavía no se define la metodología a ser utilizada, ni la fecha de la medición.