Paraguay
Miguel Prieto downplays the impact of the municipal elections on the 2028 presidential race
The Yo Creo leader said local elections and the presidential contest follow different logics. He also said part of the Colorado electorate could back him in a national election.
Miguel Prieto questioned the idea that the result of the municipal elections on October 4 will directly define the scenario for the 2028 general elections. In an interview with the No Tiene Nombre program on ABC Cardinal, the former mayor of Ciudad del Este said both electoral contests follow different paths.
According to ABC Color, Prieto said his political movement would have better prospects in a presidential election and stated that in different parts of the country he received messages from voters affiliated with the National Republican Association who plan to support Colorado local candidates, but would vote for him for the presidency.
In that context, he said he has 40% voting intention within the Colorado electorate nationwide and stressed that a possible opposition defeat in important municipalities would not automatically mean a setback in 2028. Even so, he said a victory in 2026 would be important to strengthen the sector’s morale.
Regarding the opposition strategy for the municipal elections, he said 214 alliances were reached across the country, with exceptions such as Presidente Franco and San Bernardino. In that context, he said the opposition bloc is arriving united and with expectations of a strong performance.
He also referred to the situation in Ciudad del Este and expressed confidence that the results will be respected because of the coverage planned at polling places. In that line, he ruled out a scenario of fraud.
Regarding criticism of voting machines and proposals to return to the use of paper ballots, Prieto said the central issue is not technology but human control of the process. In his view, both with paper ballots and with machines there can be irregularities if there is no proper oversight at the polling tables.
For that reason, he insisted on the need to have election agents who safeguard the ballot boxes and tally sheets, understanding that this is where the effective defense of the popular will is at stake.
Sources
About this note. Written by El Notero with assistance from artificial intelligence, based on what was published by the cited outlet. El Notero did not conduct its own reporting on this event.
