Paraguayan stakeholders hold workshop on protecting elections in the information environment

The core group, composed of members from civil society organizations, universities, think tanks, media platforms, and other relevant stakeholders, focused on creating a long-term network, resulting in the drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).  

Simultaneously, the event placed a strong emphasis on the ongoing amendment of electoral reforms resulting in a comprehensive document outlining proposed changes aimed at improving electoral integrity and mitigating the risks of disinformation and manipulation. By opening a dialogue between network members and the local Electoral Tribunal (TSJE), the workshop focused on creating a more inclusive and transparent reform process. 

Subsequent to the workshop, a meeting was held on 16 July 2024, at the offices of Decidamos—one of the core group organizations—in Asuncion. During the gathering, participants reviewed and made adjustments to the latest versions of the MoU and to the proposal for amending the Electoral Justice Regulation and the Paraguayan Electoral Code. Once the MoU is signed, the network will be introduced to key stakeholders, including the TSJE, the Congress, political parties, and other civil society organizations. Moreover, the network plans to hold regular meetings to analyse Paraguay’s political landscape, with the aim of guarding electoral integrity in the country. 

The next steps include creating a digital archive for the MoU and the amendment proposals, consolidating the documents—currently in their final review stage—and officially signing the MoU. Once established, the network will present its amendment proposals to the TSJE’s Reform Commission by the end of July 2024.  

Since December 2023, when the first workshop was held, core group participants have actively participated in formal and informal interactions to construct a roadmap for protecting the information environment around elections. The recent workshop represents the third phase of the German Federal Foreign Office (FFO) funded project implemented by International IDEA, whose overarching goal is to improve the protection of electoral processes by countering malign influencing practices. 

Through workshops and collaborative efforts, local actors in Paraguay are working towards implementing suggested actions and sharing lessons learned with other project countries. The implementation workshop and the subsequent ongoing activities represent a significant advancement in the efforts to fortify electoral integrity and establish a robust network dedicated to sustainable democratic practices in Paraguay.