In response to an invitation by the Superior Court of Electoral Justice (TSJE), the European Union has decided to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to the general elections in Paraguay, scheduled for 30 April 2023.

Josep Borrell, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has appointed Mr Gabriel Mato, Member of the European Parliament, as Chief Observer for this mission. The EU previously deployed Election Observation Missions to Paraguay 2013 and 2018 elections.

High Representative Borrell stated: “The decision to deploy an EU EOM to the general elections in Paraguay reflects the European Union’s long-term commitment to credible, transparent and inclusive elections. The presence of the EU EOM provides an opportunity for increased voters and stakeholders’ confidence in this electoral process. Under the leadership of Chief Observer Mato, I am confident that the EU EOM’s final report will also provide an important contribution to Paraguay’s efforts and aspirations to further strengthening its democracy.”

The Chief Observer, Mr Gabriel Mato said: “I feel honoured to head an EU EOM to Paraguay. We hope these elections will constitute an important step in Paraguay's efforts to reinforce its democratic institutions. We intend to contribute again to an overall credible, transparent and inclusive process with our independent, impartial and technical observation. After the elections, as in the past, we will also keep working with the Paraguayan authorities on the implementation of the observation mission's recommendations,” Gabriel Mato declared.

The Core Team of the EU EOM consists of 11 election experts that will arrive in Asuncion in mid-March. Towards the end of March, 28 Long-Term Observers will join the mission and are to be deployed across the country to follow the electoral campaign. Also, 40 Short-Term Observers are planned to be deployed closer to election-day. Finally, a number of Locally-Recruited Short-Term Observers from the EU Member States accredited in Paraguay and from Canada, Norway and Switzerland may integrate the mission on Election Day. The EU EOM will remain in the country until the completion of the electoral process.  

Following the EU election observation methodology, the mission will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Asuncion after the elections. The final report, which will include a set of recommendations for future electoral processes, will be presented and shared with stakeholders after the finalisation of the entire electoral process.