With less than a month until Paraguay’s simultaneous internal party elections on June 7, the campaign landscape remains mired in superficiality and questionable financing, according to an opinion piece published by ABC Color on May 10, 2026.
The column criticizes the visual pollution of hyper-retouched candidate posters on ANDE utility poles, the reliance on social media and loudspeaker caravans with self-praising jingles, and the absence of high-level debates or concrete proposals for improving basic services like roads, water, traffic, and public schools.
Transparency is a major concern: the author argues that ostentatious events—including concerts and vehicle raffles—contradict the modest campaign income and expense declarations filed with the Electoral Justice. It is difficult to believe that candidates in minor posts or those who have never managed public funds can finance million-guarani campaigns without backing from powerful economic or political groups, yet investigations into the true sources and future quid pro quos are rare.
Social media, instead of fostering serious discussion, is often used for dirty campaigns, personal attacks, and disinformation, further polarizing the electorate. The piece concludes that democracy requires prepared candidates capable of debating ideas, transparent financing, and realistic government plans—not just smiling faces on billboards and noisy caravans.
As an opinion piece, the article reflects the author’s viewpoint and does not present new investigative findings. ABC Color’s credibility rating for this piece is medium, with no sponsored content signals detected.