PLRA to Report Electoral Judge for Alleged Favoritism to Colorado Candidates

The Liberal Radical Authentic Party (PLRA) is set to report electoral judge Martha Sarubbi of Caazapá to higher authorities. The party alleges that Sarubbi, who also temporarily presided over the electoral court in Itapúa, has favored candidates from the ruling Colorado Party in several districts of Itapúa, including Nueva Alborada, Hohenau, and San Juan del Paraná.

Sarubbi's impartiality has been questioned due to her alleged ties to the "cartismo" political movement and her family's involvement in the Colorado Party. She is the daughter of former deputy and ANR Governing Board member Luis Alberto Sarubbi, and her sister Celeste Sarubbi is a councilwoman, while her brother Luisito Sarubbi is a candidate for councilman in Caazapá. This situation has drawn criticism from PLRA deputy Rocío Vallejos, who first raised the accusations.

The PLRA's move comes as the party prepares to integrate its new Independent Electoral Tribunal and Conduct Tribunal. The Conduct Tribunal's formation is particularly significant as it will address accusations that some liberal politicians are working with other parties, especially "Yo Creo," ahead of the municipal elections on October 4. While PLRA president Alcides Riveros initially promised no expulsions, growing complaints from party officials and mayors about candidates and representatives defecting to other parties are increasing pressure for disciplinary action.

Adding to the controversy, the Supreme Court recently appointed Antonia Andrea Ortega Ullón as the new electoral judge for Encarnación. Ullón is the sister of Fredy Fermín Ortega Ullón, a Colorado cartista councilman in Encarnación, further fueling concerns about political influence within the electoral judiciary.