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| Caribbean-Latin America | |
| Former Paraguay bishop wins backing for presidential bid | |
| 2007-07-16 | |
The groups said they hope to ensure Fernando Lugo, a charismatic leader dubbed the "Bishop of the Poor," will appear on the April 2008 ballot even if he fails to gain the backing of a coalition of opposition parties. But an alliance of political parties, led by Authentic Radical Liberals, the country's main opposition party, could not agree Sunday on whether to back Lugo. Some members of the alliance said they needed more time to consider options, noting the deadline to register candidates is Nov. 28. Lugo has gained support from the poor majority, disenfranchised after 60 years of unbroken rule by President Nicanor Duarte's Colorado Party. Polls show he has support from nearly 40 percent of voters, 10 percentage points ahead of his closest rival. He resigned as bishop in December to sidestep Paraguay's constitutional ban on clergy seeking office. The Vatican, however, has refused to accept Lugo's resignation, saying bishophood is "for life," and the head of the Paraguayan Bishops Conference has suggested Lugo risks excommunication if he keeps up his campaign. Duarte, who as a sitting president is barred from seeking immediate re-election, has called Lugo's candidacy unconstitutional. | |
| Posted by:lotp |