Challenges surround Guatemala’s election process with candidates linked to crime

Guatemala is facing an unconventional electoral process as it approaches the general elections on June 25.

The timing of ongoing prosecutions has led to the exclusion of several candidates from various popularly elected positions, ranging from presidential candidates to deputies and municipal corporations.

This situation has raised concerns about the potential impact on electoral outcomes, according to Jahir Debroy, an academic specializing in public policy.

Debroy highlighted the significance of excluding presidential candidates Carlos Pineda (Prosperidad Ciudadana), who led the polls in voting intentions last May, as well as Thelma Cabrera (Movimiento para la Liberación de los Pueblos), a Mayan-Mam leader, and businessman Roberto Arzú (Podemos).

The absence of these candidates adds uncertainty to the election, with potential surprises in a potential second round.

Moreover, there is a worrying presence of candidates associated with organized crime and drug trafficking in the voting for district lists and municipal corporations.

This situation poses challenges for perceiving positive changes for the nation, particularly in the medium term.

Debroy also expressed concerns about the governance dynamics that lie ahead, as the elected head of the Executive will likely face difficulties in dealing with a highly fragmented Congress and municipalities without a strong alignment with the state’s political project.

Despite these challenges, the majority of the population is expected to participate in the elections.

However, the performance and presentation of suitable candidates in different stages of the party system remain questionable.

The prevalence of candidates openly linked to organized crime and drug trafficking adds to the atypical nature of these elections, marking the tenth since the return of democracy to Guatemala.

These circumstances underscore the complexity and obstacles that the country faces in its pursuit of positive political change.

With information from Sputnik

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