The Superior Electoral Justice Tribunal (TSJE) of Paraguay denounced a campaign of discredit and hatred against the voting machines, which are ready for use in the 2026 internal elections. Minister Jorge Bogarín González stated that the institution is prepared to guarantee clean and transparent elections, but that sectors opposed to the electronic system are promoting attacks.
“A campaign and discredit have been installed, not only against the system and the institution, with very strong language, including hatred, we are aware of that,” Bogarín declared. He recalled that the technology was used in the 2021 and 2023 elections without incidents.
Bogarín highlighted that the right to question exists, but does not authorize defamation or insults. The TSJE responds with work and is willing to clarify doubts about the bidding process and the technical functioning of the machines. He stated that the attack targets the system established by Law 6318/2019, which establishes open lists and preferential electronic voting. Returning to closed lists and paper ballots would be a major setback, according to the minister.
The opposition and the Colorada dissidence request an audit of the machines. The TSJE maintains that the audit has already been carried out, but does not oppose new verifications.
On another front, an appeals court rejected an appeal by the defense of former senator Erico Galeano, sentenced to 13 years in prison for money laundering and criminal association in the “A Ultranza PY” case. The unanimous decision of the Second Chamber of the Appeals Court Specialized in Economic Crimes, Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime frees the hearing for review of precautionary measures, scheduled for May 19, in which pretrial detention may be ordered.
The Ministry of Children and Adolescents (MINNA) rescued 42 indigenous children and adolescents in street situations in Ciudad del Este, in a joint operation with INDI, the local CODENI, inspectors and police. Three adolescents were unaccompanied. A recidivist indigenous woman and her seven children were taken to the MINNA Open Shelter Center. The remaining minors are being returned to their communities in the departments of Guairá, Caazapá and Alto Paraná, after medical examinations.