�� The 'hardliner traditionalists' made then a desperate attempt to reviving the oligarchic pact Chaves-Stroessner-Guionista, political base for stronismo. Although militarily beaten in 1989, they were still politically unburied, highly due to the economic power they inherited from office. However, soon, the passing of 'their intellectual' Dr. Insfran left them severely hurt.
�� On the other hand, their 'renovadores' and 'democraticos' dissidents like Angel R. Seifart, Blas N. Riquelme, etc ... along with us -the ex-exiles- were joining under different denominations, the majority reborn Democratic line, up to our confluence with UNACE (National Union of Ethic Colorados) mainstream of Raul Cubas' Administration (Aug '98/March '99). (28)
In the years of transition we had until our setback of March '99, the steps already taken toward democracy were:
--Unrestricted press freedom: reopening of newspapers ABC Color and El Pueblo, legal status granted to major pluralistic magazine Ne-Engatu, Radio Nanduti put back in the air, end of harassment to Radio Caritas and gradual opening of Radio Nacional (state owned station formerly controlled by stronismo) as well as TV channels to everybody.
�� Also we have to mention the appearance and emergence of progressive media communications like CVC Comunicaciones, Diario La Nacion, Radio 970 AM/FM, Radio Nanawa, Radio Asuncion, Channel 2 (Capeco Vision) and Channel 4 (Telefuturo).
--Freedom of assembly to all parties/organizations and legal recognition to new parties and groups like the Authentic Radical Liberals.
--Abolition of repressive laws, 209&294 (sept '89)
--Trial of prominent 'militant' leaders linked to public corruption, among others, cabinet members of former regime.
--Prosecution to torturers and repressors involved in beatings, assassinations and disappearances. Also public commitment by the Executive to not tolerate anymore torture.
--Unrestricted return of exiles and release of all political prisoners.
--International reinstatement of Paraguay on the basis of respect of human rights, and steps taken toward democratization.
--Reorganization of the Armed and Security forces, excluding those officers deeply associated with stronismo.
--Substantial improvement on the Church-State relations, extremely deteriorated under Stroessner.
--Radical change of the presidential style: unlike Stroessner, our transition's presidents kept in permanent touch with the medias and citizens, always showing a dialoguing attitude.
--Moderate and flexible response to workers' strike.
--Promulgation of the new Electoral Code (march '90)
--The 1st free Municipal Elections in Paraguay's history (may 26, 1991). 'Independent' Dr. Carlos Filizzola became mayor of Asuncion.
--Promulgation of the new National Constitution (June '92)
--The May '89 National Elections that constitutionally confirmed President A. Rodriguez to end his term.
--The May '93 National Elections with no so clear winners: Pres. Juan C. Wasmosy - Vice Pres. Angel R. Seifart.
--The May '98 National Elections with the winners by 54%: Pres. Raul Cubas - Vice Pres. Luis M. Argana.
However -despite the progress- there were pending strategic issues to be addressed:
--The structural reform of the Judicial Branch to make it truly independent from the others.
--The urgent social questions, in particular the landless situation, and the abrupt decline in life conditions of the small farms (75% of the total) both to be channelled through a integral land reform.
--In order to make it -the above mentioned- feasible, a Constitutional Assembly (already due) has to be called to reform our Constitution. The Convention should be elected by the uninominating system with representation of people from the districts and not just from the power structure.
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