Free elections are a startling, and not…

Free elections are a startling, and not altogether welcome, innovation for ordinary Paraguayans, who have always allied themselves with a patron (benefactor) for security and protection.

At the same time, Argentina and Brazil are not content to leave Paraguay with a truly free political system.

Pro-Argentine militia chief Benigno Ferreira emerges as de facto dictator until his overthrow with Brazilian help in 1874.

Ferreira will later return will to lead the 1904 Liberal uprising, which oust the Colorados.

Ferreira will serve as president between 1906 and 1908.