The Senate's Constitutional Affairs Committee begins public hearings this Thursday, July 9, to evaluate the 49 applicants aspiring to be part of the shortlists for the positions of Comptroller General and Deputy Comptroller General of the Republic. The sessions will be held on Mondays and Thursdays, with groups of ten candidates per day, who must present their professional background, experience in public oversight, and proposals for the position.
Among the first called are the current Comptroller General, Camilo Benítez (ANR), who is seeking a new term; the current Deputy Comptroller, Augusto Paiva (PLRA); and Congressman Jorge Ávalos Mariño (PLRA). The committee senators will analyze whether each candidate meets the constitutional and legal requirements, such as having Paraguayan nationality, a minimum age of 30, and a university degree in Law or Economic, Administrative, or Accounting Sciences, as stipulated in Article 281 of the Constitution and Organic and Functional Law No. 276/94 of the Comptroller General's Office.
One point likely to generate debate is the candidacy of Camilo Benítez. Liberal Senator Líder Amarilla, a member of the committee, questions his eligibility, arguing that the Constitution allows only one reconfirmation for an additional period, which, in his interpretation, would prevent a new successive extension of the term. This aspect will be analyzed during the process.
After the conclusion of all hearings, the committee will issue a report stating which applicants meet the requirements to proceed in the process. The Senate must then form the shortlists and send them to the Chamber of Deputies by September 1, according to the schedule established by law. The Lower House will be responsible for the final selection, by absolute majority, of the next Comptroller General and Deputy Comptroller General for the constitutional five-year term.