Hugo Velázquez, Vice President of the Republic and Santiago Peña, former Minister of Finance, continue to develop an “indirect” campaign for 2023.
Although the term has not yet begun, both politicians are participating, holding and publishing political meetings with a view to the presidential elections.
What is particular between both candidates are the mutual attacks that are carried out. Politologists agree that this situation only ends up harming the electorate, which does not receive proposals on problems that exist in their communities.
THE ATTACK
Clara Martínez, journalist and political scientist, affirms that Peña has the advantage of the economic resources of Horacio Cartes. While Velázquez has the entire structure of the State to carry out his campaign.
“Velázquez attacks Santiago Peña accusing him that he responds to Cartes. While Peña accuses the vice president of Itaipu’s bilateral act, among other issues, ”he said.
The analyst mentioned that there are Colorado groups that will not support any of them. One of the most important fronts is that of Enrique Riera who will travel to Washington, United States. It remains to be defined where this electoral flow will go. Riera will be an extraordinary ambassador, plenipotentiary, permanent representative to the Organization of American States (OAS).
THE CONCENTRATION OF POWER
Pilar Callizo, master’s degree in politics and management, believes that both candidates will deepen the damage to the democratic process. In addition to accentuating the concentration of power.
“The internal confrontations of the Colorado Party show that they will go to a confrontational election. They are two negative forces that are confronting great interests. Unfortunately, Paraguayan citizens are affected ”, he mentioned.
The analyst stressed that citizens who want to have minimally strengthened democratic institutions must unite us into a great force and reverse the situation that is currently being experienced.
“As things are going, I can’t say if Peña or Velázquez are better profiled. Both have obvious political power, but also lack healthy leadership, “he concluded.
CASTIÑEIRA
Selva Castiñeira, a political scientist, regretted that the campaigns focus on attacks and forget about the electorate.
“The three keys to the success of a politician are knowledge, closeness and trust. They think more about the benefits and disadvantages of the electoral system. So where is the interest in the electorate. The most important thing is the needs of the electorate ”, he mentioned.
The analyst urges to focus on the needs of citizens. Not only in campaign but during the entire management.
“Today citizens no longer believe in politicians because they are defrauded. The promises are only during the campaign. Then they forget about needs. Velázquez is not well regarded for acts of corruption and Peña does not convey confidence because he belongs to Chartism, ”he said.
