Guatemala Election Watch #21

President Arevalo #2 in Guatemala
Beginning of the end of the U.S. invasion-genocide era

“This really could be the beginning of the end of what could best be described as the U.S. invasion-genocide era, an era that started in ’54 and possibly started to conclude yesterday.” - Allain Nairn

Rights Action recommends listening to/watching this Democracy Now interview about the elections in Guatemala:

A Turning Point in Guatemalan History: Bernardo Arévalo Wins in Landslide Rejection of Ruling Elite, August 21, 2023, Democracy Now

Guests:

  • Frank LaRue - Guatemalan human rights activist and lawyer who previously served as U.N. special rapporteur on freedom of expression.

  • Allan Nairn - activist and award-winning investigative journalist (Allan Nairn website).

In Guatemala, progressive presidential candidate Bernardo Arévalo has won a landslide victory in a runoff election against former first lady Sandra Torres. Arévalo, a member of the Semilla party, took nearly 60% of the vote Sunday after months of political persecution. In June, Arévalo stunned many in Guatemala when he placed second in the first round of voting after running on an anti-corruption platform. Soon after, the attorney general’s office suspended Arévalo’s Semilla party, and police raided their offices.

Women holds photo of Juan Jose Arevalo, father of incoming President Bernardo Arevalo, who was the first actually democratic President of Guatemala, 1945-1950. Photo: Prensa Comunitaria

In Guatemala City, we speak with Guatemalan human rights lawyer Frank LaRue and award-winning investigative journalist Allan Nairn about this historic election. LaRue and Nairn agree this election proves that Guatemalans want a change from the country’s history of corruption and military dictatorships, but the situation remains tense in the country as oligarchs will most likely attempt to disrupt Arévalo’s transition to power. “This could be the beginning of a turn in Guatemalan history,” says Nairn, who predicts the next phase of this election process will be people demonstrating popular support to force a transition of power. “They may have to take to the streets to defend the results of this vote.”

Guatemala 1954-2023: What if?

Against enormous odds, Guatemala elects an actually democratic President for first time in 69 years. Urgent questions for US, Canada & international community

By Grahame Russell, Rights Action, August 21, 2023, Guatemala City

https://mailchi.mp/rightsaction/president-arevalo-semilla-party-win-guatemalan-elections

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