Paraguay Comptroller race: One candidate withdraws, five remain

Rubén Darío Robadín Armadans has withdrawn his candidacy for Comptroller General of the Republic, reducing the number of hopefuls to five. The application period remains open until June 30, though opposition and ruling party figures suggest that the current comptroller, Camilo Benítez, might seek to retain his position due to his alignment with the ruling "cartismo" faction.

In his resignation letter, Robadín Armadans explained that his professional profile is a better fit for the Ministry of Education and Sciences. He holds a master's degree in education, a degree in university teaching administration, and has experience as a radio host, owner of a recording studio, and partner in a construction company.

Among the remaining candidates are Oscar Enrique Rolón Centurión, a firefighter and director of a consulting firm who previously attempted to become comptroller in 2021. Edgar Sosa Gómez, a former criminal judge, Roberto Emilio Riveros Florentín, ex-director of the Ciudad del Este Penitentiary, and Gerardo Manuel González Báez, linked to the Honor Colorado movement and brother of a ruling party official, are also in contention. Anibal Jiménez Caballero, a current employee of the Comptroller General's Office, rounds out the list.

Speculation suggests Camilo Benítez has significant backing to continue as comptroller, a position he has held with the Colorado Party. His potential re-election is reportedly bolstered by past actions seen as favorable to the "cartismo" movement, including the recent "whitewashing" of President Santiago Peña's assets. Both the Comptroller and Deputy Comptroller positions, currently held by Benítez and Augusto Paiva respectively, will see their mandates expire on November 1.