February 3rd, 1951

In line with his promises during his accession to the Presidency, Rafael Franco has announced - with Congressional consent - fresh elections. These are the first elections since 1940 to have more than one legal party. The election covers the presidency and the Chamber of Deputies, who will proceed to appoint representatives to the Chamber of the Senate.

Turnout has been relatively high, encouraged by military units organizing polling stations and spreading information regarding parties, candidates, etc. The votes were counted by February 10th and published on February 11th.

President Franco, upon accepting his victory, announced he will be maintaining the Unity Cabinet established in August, and will begin taking more aggressive steps toward domestic reform, broadening Paraguay's foreign policy (hitherto characterized by a wary cooperation with her neighbors), and continuing his economic reforms started in September.

Certain domestic observers have been something uncomfortable with military presence at the polls and have complained of "nudging" by soldiers towards voting for the ANR-U.