The lack of enthusiasm of an electorate marked by an unprecedented political crisis due to repeated corruption scandals, and the possible continuation of heavy rains, are threatening the ballot due to take place shortly in Guatemala.
The second round of the presidential election is scheduled for October 25 and public opinion demonstrates a lack of confidence in the plans of those seeking to lead the nation from 2016-2020.
Silence also abounds from consultants and pollsters in the Central American country, while analysts insist on the uncertainty of the electoral perspective in a context marked by constant attacks between the candidates during public appearances.
The last debate organized by the Guatemalan Managers Association on October 14 was telling. During the debate, the presidential hopefuls Jimmy Morales, of the National Convergence Front (FCN-Nación), and Sandra Torres, of the National Unity of Hope party (UNE), devoted their time to exchanging insults.
The alleged political improvisation of comedian Morales and his links with former military personnel were the main attacks launched by the former first lady of President Álvaro Colom (2008-2012), while her rival dedicated his time to airing dark episodes from her time in the position.
Guatemalan media and analysts agree that the most important aspect was missing from the debate: concrete proposals from the presidential candidates on how they intend to finance the few initiatives they have outlined in health, education, security, transparency and other key areas for the nation.
However, according to members of the Mirador Electoral election observation group and most of those interviewed by Prensa Latina in recent days, there is no doubt that Torres, aged 60, has presented a more defined government plan, far outstripping that of her opponent.
They agree that the UNE representative has more experience in politics and her successful business career in the textile manufacturing sector supports her bid to occupy the post which has been subject to controversy over the past year.
Despite the apparent calm reigning, repercussions of the crisis triggered by the report from the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) regarding the involvement of high level authorities in the customs fraud case known as La Línea persist.
Parallel to the political campaigning in the run up to the vote, citizen misgivings endure regarding the future of those detained for these offenses - particularly the former president Otto Pérez Molina and vice president Roxana Baldetti - as well as other implicated officials and businesspeople, who as of yet have not been prosecuted or incarcerated.
Discontent is also rampant regarding the possible legitimization of 11 elected deputies, who are alleged to have served as state contractors involved in corruption, and have preliminary hearings hanging over their heads.
As if that were not enough, civil protection and weather agencies report that heavy rains are due to persist over coming days and, with them, the threat of further landslides, deaths and hundreds more made homeless, in a country which is one of the most affected by climate change and is still mourning the loss of over 300 lives in the wake of a mud slide caused by the collapse of a neighboring hill in El Cambray II, a village in the municipality of Santa Catarina Pinula, on the outskirts of the capital.
As such, the Mirador Electoral notes that the vote could be marked by the historical attitude observed during second round elections in this country: with apathy and an increased abstention rate.
The postponement of reforms to the Electoral and Political Parties Law, skepticism given discredited politicians, broken promises, the lack of transparency in the financing of political organizations, and constant accusations of illegalities, could negatively impact the final round of elections. (PL)
