(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – A former Catholic bishop continues to lead Paraguay’s presidential race, according to a poll by First Análisis y Estudios published in ABC Color. 33.6 per cent of respondents would vote for Fernando Lugo of the Alliance for Change (APC) in this month’s election.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – A former Catholic bishop continues to lead Paraguay’s presidential race, according to a poll by First Análisis y Estudios published in ABC Color. 33.6 per cent of respondents would vote for Fernando Lugo of the Alliance for Change (APC) in this month’s election.
Lino Oviedo of the National Union of Ethical Citizens (UNACE) is second with 27.4 per cent, followed by Blanca Ovelar of the ruling National Republican Association – Red Party (ANR) with 24.6 per cent, and Pedro Fadul of the Beloved Homeland Party (PPQ) with 3.6 per cent.
Nicanor Duarte won the April 2003 presidential election as the ANR candidate with 37.1 per cent of all cast ballots. The ANR has been involved in Paraguay’s government since 1947, even during the dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner. Duarte is not eligible for a new term.
In 1998, Oviedo was charged, convicted and sentenced for mutiny over an alleged coup against the government of Juan Carlos Wasmosy in April 1996. In October 2007, Paraguay’s Supreme Court annulled Oviedo’s conviction in a 6-3 decision, stating that his actions did not amount to mutiny, and effectively clearing him to take part in the presidential election. In September 2007, Lugo oversaw the creation of the APC—which brings together seven opposition parties.
On Apr. 4, Lugo discussed his chances, saying, "The polls give us a serene optimism. (…) We believe Paraguay requires a profound transformation." The APC candidate revealed that, if he forms the government, his sister Mercedes would serve as the South American country’s first lady.
The election is scheduled for Apr. 20. Presidential candidates in Paraguay are not compelled to garner more than 50 per cent of the vote in order to win the election.
Polling Data
Which of these candidates would you vote for in the next presidential election?
|
Apr. 2008 |
Feb. 2008 |
|
|
Fernando Lugo (APC) |
33.6% |
31.2% |
|
Lino Oviedo (UNACE) |
27.4% |
25.3% |
|
Blanca Ovelar (ANR) |
24.6% |
24.3% |
|
Pedro Fadul (PPQ) |
3.6% |
3.5% |
|
None of these |
– |
4.6% |
|
Other / Undecided |
10.8% |
11.1% |
Source: First Análisis y Estudios / ABC Color
Methodology: Interviews with 1,534 Paraguayan adults, conducted from Mar. 28 to Apr. 2, 2008. Margin of error is 3.3 per cent.
