Paraguay's ruling party picks sports executive for Asunción mayor race

Paraguay's ruling Colorado Party has chosen sports executive Camilo Pérez to run for mayor of Asunción in the upcoming municipal elections on October 4. Pérez secured the nomination after winning the party's primary elections.

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We know that from now on another great path begins, which we will walk in the same way we have done these months, seeking the harmony of all Colorados.

Backed by the Honor Colorado faction, which is aligned with President Santiago Peña, Pérez garnered 61.45% of the votes in the primaries, according to the Superior Electoral Justice Tribunal (TSJE). The TSJE reported that 98.42% of the ballot boxes had been counted, showing Pérez received over 80,300 votes.

"We won by a wide margin, undoubtedly we have the people's support," stated Pérez after the results were announced. His main rival in the primaries, former Asunción mayor Arnaldo Samaniego, conceded defeat after receiving 32.75% of the votes.

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We won by a wide margin, undoubtedly we have the people's support.

Pérez will now compete against opposition candidate Soledad Núñez. Núñez had previously secured her nomination in late February after winning a poll among several aspirants. She expressed gratitude for the support and vowed to fight for "an Asunción that works," that "cares for its neighbors," and "protects its people."

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We are fighting for 'an Asunción that works,' that 'cares for its neighbors,' and 'protects its people.'

The TSJE president described the primary election day as "calm," although some incidents were reported. These included a temporary suspension of voting in Quyquyhó due to rival factions clashing and the arrest of an influencer known as 'Mocaccino' for allegedly attempting to buy votes with a large sum of cash. In total, 10 to 12 individuals were detained for electoral offenses.

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The day was calm.