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Paraguay's president wants to resign to start Senate term

  • Story Highlights
  • President Nicanor Duarte offered Congress his resignation Monday
  • Wants to exit two months before his term is slated to end, to start Senate term
  • Ran for and won a seat in Senate because barred from 2nd presidential term
  • New senators are to be sworn in on July 1
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ASUNCION, Paraguay (CNN) -- Paraguay's President Nicanor Duarte offered Congress his resignation Monday, two months before his term is slated to end.

Duarte, a member of the ruling Colorado Party who was barred by law from running for a second five-year presidential term in last April's elections, instead ran for and won a seat in Paraguay's Senate. New senators are to be sworn in on July 1.

President-elect Fernando Lugo of the Patriotic Alliance for Change is slated to take office on August 15. He has supported Duarte's right to resign.

But other opposition members and even some of Duarte's own Colorado Party members oppose his bid, arguing the constitution does not allow the president to hold another position. Several others said they would not show up, thereby denying him the quorum needed for approval. They contend the constitution does not allow the president to occupy two offices at the same time, a rule intended to ensure the chief of state does not give short shrift to the job.

His resignation offer -- which would require approval from a majority of each house -- is slated for a vote on Tuesday.

"I hope that the senators and representatives of the nation can complete their constitutional mandate to reject or accept my resignation," Duarte said during a nationally televised address.

He said he wants "to continue serving the Paraguayan people" from the legislature.

Meanwhile, he said, he will continue carrying out his duties as president.

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