World Notes PARAGUAY

One way to become the leader of a country is to organize a coup. Another is to get elected. General Andres Rodriguez, 65, has done both in the space of three months. Last week Rodriguez, who in February overthrew dictator Alfredo Stroessner after a 34-year rule, became President in Paraguay's first contested election in 61 years.

Since the coup, Rodriguez, a longtime top aide to Stroessner, has sacked 34 hard-line army generals, relaxed censorship and legalized eight political parties. Some opposition figures questioned the strength of Rodriguez's victory (74%), but no one seriously doubted he had polled more votes than his opponents. Although the Rodriguez-led Colorado Party captured 72 seats in the Congress, for the first time in decades the remaining 36 will go to a truly independent opposition.