On 15 November, President Santiago Peña enacted a law to regulate the work of non-profit organizations (NGOs). The law requires NGOs to register in a national database, disclose financial details, submit biannual reports and other information upon request, and list their partners, under risk of fines or suspension. Despite amendments during the legislative process, critics argue the law imposes excessive controls on an already efficient system, potentially straining smaller organizations. Criticisms highlight that the law was passed without civil society's participation and has vague and broad provisions that could be used to arbitrarily dissolve or restrict NGOs that are critical of the government. Press freedom groups caution that the law could particularly impact independent media, many of which operate as NGOs, by requiring disclosure of sensitive information and hindering public interest investigations. The government claims it will boost transparency and address concerns about money laundering and foreign influence in NGOs.

Sources: International IDEA, Amnesty International, The Guardian, ABC Paraguay (1), New York City Bar, Committee to Protect Journalists, Swiss Info, ABC Paraguay (2)

On 8 July, the Senate passed a bill whose stated objective is to control and set transparency and accountability standards for nonprofit organizations that receive or manage public or private funds. It requires all non-governmental organizations (NGO) to register in a national registry and document how they use their funds. NGOs will have to submit biannual reports to authorities, or risk financial penalties and the disqualification of their staff from working in civil society. Experts warn that the bill’s provisions are contrary to Paraguay’s human rights obligations and are vague and broad, which could enable the government to arbitrarily and discretionally restrict or even dissolve NGOs, as well as control their content and operations. Additionally, the reporting procedures established in the bill could overly burden grassroots and other smaller organizations. The bill has been sent to the lower chamber to be studied and discussed.

Sources: Amnesty International, Camara de Senadores Paraguay, OHCHR, ABC

Opposition senator, Kattya Gonzalez of the National Meeting Party was expelled from Congress and dismissed from her office due to allegations of misusing her position as a public official to unduly influence. Critics accuse the Senate of irregularities during the proceedings against her and have expressed concern over the weakening of opposition presence in Congress, where the ruling Colorado Party holds a majority. Gonzalez has stated she will appeal the decision, which she decried as fraudulent, and among critics of the ruling party is understood to be motivated by her denunciation of corruption and nepotism within the Colorado Party. 

Sources: CELAG, Cable News Network, The Guardian

Santiago Peña, from the ruling Colorado Party, won the presidential election held on 30 April. With an estimated voter turnout of 63.1 per cent (an increase of almost two percentage points in comparison to last presidential election), and 42.93 per cent of the votes cast, Peña defeated his closest challenger, Efrain Alegre, who represented a centre-left party.  Discussions around Paraguay’s diplomatic ties to Taiwan, which Peña vowed to maintain, and accusations of corruption by the United States against current President Horacio Cartes (a mentor of Peña, also from the Colorado Party), had marked a polarised race. Despite some partisan confrontations, international electoral observers found that the elections were held in orderly conditions.

Members of Congress and local leaders were also elected. Preliminary results indicate that the ruling party will maintain a lead in both chambers of Congress. Only around 30 per cent of candidates for Congress were women, and preliminary results point to a slight increase in women’s representation in the Senate to 22.6 per cent.

Sources: Agencia EFE, Organization of American States, European Union External Action, Ultima Hora, La Nacion