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IFES to Present Pre-Electoral Recommendations in Paraguay

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Washington, DC – MARCH 25, 2008 – International election observers, led by IFES, will announce the results of their pre-electoral assessment at a press conference in Asunción tomorrow. IFES Regional Director for the Americas Pablo Galarce said the assessment report includes recommendations for the Tribunal Superior de Justicia Electoral, or TSJE, as well as political parties, nongovernmental organizations and voters. 

“IFES will make its recommendations to these actors in the spirit of brotherhood and with the desire to support and accompany the country in this important democratic exercise,” said Mr. Galarce. He stressed that IFES does not seek to replace Paraguayan stakeholders; rather IFES desires to contribute to the transparency and effectiveness of the process that is already underway.  

IFES’ team arrived in Asunción in late February to conduct observation activities prior to the April 20 presidential and legislative elections. The delegation includes Gabriel Medrano from Guatemala, Patricio Gajardo from Chile, Luis Sobalvarro from Nicaragua, and Gustavo Villamil from Colombia. 

The IFES team is examining the preparations undertaken by Paraguay’s electoral authorities and the general political environment. It is also monitoring the campaign activities of candidates and political parties. IFES’ experts met with three ministers from the TSJE and leaders from political parties, civil society organizations, and the business community, as well as with ordinary citizens. The team will remain in Paraguay until after the elections. 

WHAT: Presentation of Pre-Election Technical Assessment Report. 

WHEN: 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 26  

WHERE: Sheraton Hotel  

Asunción, Paraguay  

CONTACTS: Pablo Galarce in Asunción, 595-982-858-844, pgalarce@ifes.org

Laura Ingalls in Washington, lingalls@ifes.org, (202) 350-6729

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IFES is an international, non-profit organization that supports the building of democratic societies.