In Guatemala’s recent presidential elections, voters cast their ballots amid concerns over the erosion of the rule of law. Observers have criticized the electoral process, and a runoff between the top two candidates is expected since no contender is likely to win a majority in the first round.
The electoral authority banned several popular candidates seen as threats to the political and economic establishment, which has raised concerns about Guatemala’s democracy. The current government has been accused of authoritarianism, leading to the exile of many prosecutors and judges focused on combating corruption. Press freedom has also come under threat, as the founder of a prominent newspaper that exposed corruption was sentenced to prison.
Three candidates have emerged as frontrunners in the presidential race: Sandra Torres, Zury Ríos, and Edmond Mullet, all with controversial backgrounds. While the voting process was mostly calm, there were incidents of violence, including threats to polling station workers and the burning of ballots.
One of the key issues in the campaign has been addressing gangs and violent crime, as Guatemala has seen a significant increase in homicides linked to gang activity. The candidates have expressed support for adopting approaches like El Salvador’s in tackling these issues. Economic hardship and lack of opportunities have also been important concerns, with most of the population living below the poverty line.
Sandra Torres, a former first lady, appears to be the favorite candidate, with around 20 percent of support. Zury Ríos, the daughter of former dictator Efraín Ríos Montt, has faced criticism for denying the genocide committed during her father’s rule but has also worked on improving conditions for women and LGBTQ+ members in Congress. Edmond Mullet, a former lawyer, and diplomat, warns of the country’s shift toward authoritarianism and aims to roll back anticorruption initiatives.
While the election results are still unfolding, the outcome will have significant implications for Guatemala’s governance and democracy.
The electoral authority banned several popular candidates seen as threats to the political and economic establishment, which has raised concerns about Guatemala’s democracy. The current government has been accused of authoritarianism, leading to the exile of many prosecutors and judges focused on combating corruption. Press freedom has also come under threat, as the founder of a prominent newspaper that exposed corruption was sentenced to prison.
Three candidates have emerged as frontrunners in the presidential race: Sandra Torres, Zury Ríos, and Edmond Mullet, all with controversial backgrounds. While the voting process was mostly calm, there were incidents of violence, including threats to polling station workers and the burning of ballots.
One of the key issues in the campaign has been addressing gangs and violent crime, as Guatemala has seen a significant increase in homicides linked to gang activity. The candidates have expressed support for adopting approaches like El Salvador’s in tackling these issues. Economic hardship and lack of opportunities have also been important concerns, with most of the population living below the poverty line.
Sandra Torres, a former first lady, appears to be the favorite candidate, with around 20 percent of support. Zury Ríos, the daughter of former dictator Efraín Ríos Montt, has faced criticism for denying the genocide committed during her father’s rule but has also worked on improving conditions for women and LGBTQ+ members in Congress. Edmond Mullet, a former lawyer, and diplomat, warns of the country’s shift toward authoritarianism and aims to roll back anticorruption initiatives.
While the election results are still unfolding, the outcome will have significant implications for Guatemala’s governance and democracy.
