Political disputes arise over electoral audits in Paraguay and vacancy proceedings in Peru

In Paraguay, the Senate failed to reach a quorum to debate a request for an audit of electronic voting machines ahead of the October 4 municipal elections. Senator Ever Villalba proposed that the Superior Court of Electoral Justice (TSJE) provide machines to a commission for technical verification. The request aims to audit operating systems, firmware, and cryptographic modules to ensure transparency and public trust. While the opposition argues this is necessary to protect the democratic process, supporters of the ruling government have labeled the request untimely given the proximity of the elections.

In Peru, the vacancy process against Barranco Mayor Jessica Vargas is facing scrutiny regarding procedural deadlines. Following a resolution from the National Jury of Elections (JNE), the Barranco Municipal Council was ordered to convene a new session to rule on the vacancy request. However, reports suggest the council may have failed to meet the five-day deadline to convene the session and the subsequent 15-day deadline to issue a ruling. The JNE previously noted that failure to comply could result in the case being referred to the Comptroller General and the Public Ministry.