Protesters in the Paraguayan capital of Asuncion stormed the National Congress Building and set it on fire after the Senate approved a bill on Friday that allowed the re-election of current President Horacio Cartes.
Dozens of furious protesters broke windows of the Congress building and burned tires after several hours of confrontation with police. Tear gas and rubber bullets were used by police.
"A coup has been carried out. We will resist and we invite the people to resist with us," said Senator Desiree Masi from the opposition Progressive Democratic Party.
Protesters break window of the congress building in Asuncion on Friday March 31, 2017./VCG Photo
Several people were injured, including politicians and journalists, but the exact number of casualties remains unknown, local media reported.
The bill garnered 25 yes votes during a special session held in a closed office, two more votes than the 23 required for passage in the 45-member upper chamber. Opponents said the vote was illegal and would weaken Paraguay’s democratic institution.
A vote expected to take place early on Saturday was called off until the situation calmed down, said the chamber's President Hugo Velazquez.
The bill approved will allow the re-election of a president to a second five-year term, paving the way for Cartes to run for presidency again in the 2018 election. The change would also apply to former President Fernando Lugo, whose supporters want to be allowed to run for another term.
The country's constitution has prohibited re-election since it was passed in 1992.
(Source: Reuters, AFP)
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