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Paraguayans Have Positive View of Lugo
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in Paraguay hold a favourable opinion of a prospective presidential candidate, according to a poll by COIN released by Últimas Noticias. 63 per cent of respondents have a positive view of Fernando Lugo.
Lugo served as bishop in the diocese of San Pedro, located in one of Paraguay's poorest areas. As a priest, he requires an official permit from The Vatican in order to become directly involved in politics.
Lino Oviedo—the founder of the National Union of Ethical Citizens (UNACE)—is second with 38 per cent, followed by current education minister Blanca Ovelar with 34 per cent, Central Department governor Federico Franco with 30 per cent, and Pedro Fadul of the Beloved Homeland Party (PPQ) also with 30 per cent. Only 20 per cent of respondents hold a favourable view of incumbent president Nicanor Duarte.
Duarte won the April 2003 presidential election with 37.1 per cent of all cast ballots. The National Republican Association - Red Party (ANR) has been involved in Paraguay's government since 1947, even during the dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner.
On Feb. 3, a representative from The Vatican announced that Lugo had been "suspended" from his clerical duties, but had not been completely separated from "clergy condition". Lugo submitted his resignation to Rome last year. In December, he said his presidential aspirations would not be conditional to The Vatican's response, adding, "Pope Benedict XVI can either accept my decision or punish me, but I am in politics already."
The next presidential election is scheduled for April 2008.
Polling Data
Do you have a positive opinion of the following persons?
Fernando Lugo | 63% |
Lino Oviedo | 38% |
Blanca Ovelar | 34% |
Federico Franco | 30% |
Pedro Fadul | 30% |
Miguel Carrizosa | 26% |
Luis Castiglioni | 24% |
Nicanor Duarte | 20% |
Carlos Mateo Balmelli | 18% |
José Alberto Alderete | 10% |
Source: COIN / Última Hora
Methodology: Interviews to 1,600 Paraguayan adults, conducted from Jan. 13 to Feb. 7, 2007. Margin of error is 2.5 per cent.