Oviedo given go-ahead to stand for Paraguayan presidency

The electoral authorities in Paraguay have confirmed that the former army commander, Lino Oviedo -- who's currently under arrest -- is still eligible to stand as a presidential candidate in the election in May.

Mr Oviedo was chosen as the candidate of the governing Colorado Party in September, but a powerful section of the party, including President Juan Carlos Wasmosy, does not support him.

He's currently serving a month in custody for insulting the president and alleging corruption among senior officials.

Mr Oviedo was stripped of his army rank after being accused of leading an attempted military coup last year -- something he denies.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service