Voters to Decide on New President Today

Election observers headed by the Organization of American States met presidential candidates in an effort to ensure a clean vote today. OAS chief Cesar Gaviria said after meeting candidates that he was “convinced the elections will be calm and the winning ticket will express the wish of the majority of the Paraguayan people.” Paraguay emerged from the 35-year dictatorship of Gen. Alfredo Stroessner in 1989; his Colorado Party has held power since 1947. Outgoing President Juan Carlos Wasmosy, who in April had threatened to lead “Colorado hordes” to stop the vote, on Friday praised the “fiesta” climate and prayed for “no more hatred and bitterness” after the polls close. Colorado presidential hopeful Raul Cubas said after meeting Gaviria: “We are confident that the result of the election will reflect the people’s will.” Cubas’ opponent is Domingo Laino, a 63-year-old economist once exiled by Stroessner.