Paraguay: Enhancing electoral integrity through civil society networks

Public confidence in political institutions remains low, shaped by persistent concerns around corruption, elite influence, and the role of illicit economies in political processes. The political landscape is also characterised by fragmentation and polarisation, complicating consensus-building and reform efforts.

Paraguay’s information environment reflected these broader dynamics. Media ownership is highly concentrated, and journalists face pressures that can limit pluralistic debate. At the same time, the regulatory framework has struggled to keep pace with digital political communication, leaving gaps in addressing disinformation and online campaigning.

In December 2023, stakeholders from civil society, academia, media, and the Superior Court of Electoral Justice (TSJE) came together to discuss how to better address these challenges and strengthen electoral integrity. Early exchanges focused on building a shared understanding of the information environment and identifying key risks, including disinformation, online harassment, and limited public understanding of electoral processes.

The discussions also created space for dialogue between the TSJE and civil society. However, as conversations progressed, it became clear that sustained cooperation in such a polarised environment as the Paraguayan one would be challenging and institutional engagement became more difficult to maintain over time.  

In response, stakeholders adapted their approach and established REDPAR, the Paraguayan Network for Electoral Integrity, bringing together civil society organisations, academic institutions, and media actors. The network provided a flexible space to continue collaboration, share information, and coordinate efforts around electoral integrity.

Throughout 2025, REDPAR organised public discussions and exchanges on elections, democratic participation, and the role of information in political processes. The network also expanded its membership to include academic partners, strengthening its analytical capacity. This helped position REDPAR as a recognised platform for dialogue on electoral integrity, sustaining engagement even as the broader environment remained complex.

Lessons Learned

Paraguay’s experience highlights that multi-stakeholder cooperation is both essential and fragile in politically complex environments. While collaboration between institutions and civil society can strengthen electoral integrity, it remains highly sensitive to political pressures and public narratives.

A key lesson is that adaptability is critical for sustaining initiatives. As institutional cooperation became constrained, civil society actors demonstrated flexibility by reorienting efforts and maintaining collaboration independently through the creation of a network dedicated to electoral integrity.

The case also shows that institutional cooperation depends on enabling political conditions. Increasing polarisation, restrictive legislation, and narratives around foreign influence limited the ability of public institutions to maintain open collaboration with civil society.

Finally, Paraguay demonstrates the value of network-based approaches rooted in local ownership. Flexible, locally led networks can sustain democratic engagement and public dialogue even when formal institutional partnerships become constrained, providing continuity and a foundation for future cooperation when conditions improve.