Paraguay Conservative’s Election Victory Hinders China’s Bid for Regional Dominance

Paraguayan presidential candidate Santiago Peña from the ruling Colorado Party speaks at the party headquarters as he and his running mate, Pedro Alliana, lead Paraguay's presidential race, according to early results, in Asuncion, Paraguay, on April 30, 2023. Agustin Marcarian/Reuters

Conservative presidential candidate Santiago Peña won a major victory in Paraguay on April 30, strengthening the hold of the Colorado Party as a new wave of leftist leadership has emerged in the region over the past two years.

Beyond Paraguay’s borders, the geopolitical implications of the election win are significant. This is especially true for the U.S.–China struggle over prevailing influence in Latin America.