Leftist Arevalo with anti-corruption program Guatemala's new President
2 Min Read
Bernardo Arevalo defies opinion polls and wins Guatemala's presidential election with a strong anti-corruption message, marking a significant shift in the nation's political landscape.
-
The presidential candidate for the Semilla Movement, Bernardo Arevalo, greets supporters during a campaign event in Totonicapan, Guatemala, on July 15, 2023 (AFP)
In an unexpected turn of events, Bernardo Arevalo has secured a resounding victory in Guatemala's presidential election with his "anti-corruption" agenda.
Official results released by the TSE national election body reveal that Arevalo claimed 59 percent of the vote, with 95 percent of ballots counted. His campaign, which resonated strongly with weary voters, allegedly focused on combating corruption that has plagued the country for years.
The triumph marks a significant departure from the predictions of pre-election polls and positions.
In the first-round election held in June, he defied expectations by securing a second-place finish despite being initially ranked lower in opinion polls. This surprising performance set the stage for a dramatic showdown in the final round.
Read more: 2000-year-old Mayan city unearthed under Guatemala rainforest
Leading up to the crucial election day, concerns over potential interference in the electoral process had been raised by both domestic and international observers. Foreign allies joined in sounding the alarm, apprehensive of attempts to undermine the integrity of the elections.
A prominent prosecutor, Rafael Curruchiche, sought to disqualify Arevalo and authorized raids on his party offices and even the election body during the campaign. These actions added an air of uncertainty to the electoral proceedings.
Against this backdrop of controversy, Sunday's voting witnessed a remarkable surge in voter participation. The TSE reported an unprecedented turnout percentage at the close of polling. Although specific figures were not provided, this surge in participation indicated a significant mobilization of the electorate.
Read more: Gunmen open fire on Guatemalan President's convoy
Rafael Curruchiche, who had previously faced sanctions from Washington for corruption, signaled that further actions might follow even after the election results were announced.
"We have been the victims, the prey, of corrupt politicians for years," Arevalo declared on the campaign trail.
Following Arevalo's surprising performance in the initial round, eight right-wing parties contested the outcome, adding another layer of complexity to the electoral process.
