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Anti-corruption candidate Bernardo Arévalo wins Guatemala’s presidential election |
Guatemalans have spoken, choosing a path of change and renewal by electing Bernardo Arévalo as their new president on August 20th. Defying the odds, Arévalo, a former diplomat representing the little-known center-left Movimiento Semilla (Seed Movement) political party, secured an impressive 58% of the votes. His victory was a moment of jubilation for the weary Guatemalan population, weary of the status quo and traditional political parties.
Sandra Torres, Arévalo's primary opponent, representing the populist conservative National Unity of Hope (UNE) party, received almost 37% of the vote. While the victory margin was significant, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal had enough data to confidently project Arévalo's triumph. In a late-night press conference, Arévalo acknowledged the significance of the people's decision, stating, "What the people shout is 'enough of so much corruption.'"
The surprising surge of Arévalo's candidacy has resonated with the populace's frustration with the traditional politics that have dominated the country for the last 12 years. Erwin Jose Noguera from the Catholic Radio Emaus in Guatemala City emphasized that Arévalo's popularity stems from his ability to embody the public's desire for change. The election outcome, beyond endorsing Arévalo, reflects Guatemalans' determination to combat the corruption that has enriched the country's elites, leaving the middle class and poor struggling.
Guatemala's shrinking middle class has become a pressing issue, as noted by psychologist Linda Cecilia Orozco Citalán. The runoff election offered voters a sense of control and empowerment, prompting celebratory scenes across Guatemala City. Orozco emphasized that her participation was both a civic duty and a reflection of her Christian and Catholic values.
Catholic voters like Zulia Monge de Tánchez and Orozco were skeptical of Torres' political messaging aimed at faith-based individuals, citing the incongruity between her party's positions and her own actions. Monge de Tánchez, for example, viewed Torres' messaging as manipulative, particularly considering her divorce from former president Álvaro Colom to run for office. Monge de Tánchez saw the election as a chance to shape a more democratic and just future for Guatemala, free from corruption's grip on power.
The initial round of voting on June 25th saw more blank or nullified ballots than votes for either Torres or Arévalo, each receiving less than 20% of the turnout. However, Torres and Arévalo advanced to the August 20th runoff, with Arévalo gaining momentum as an outsider without ties to the establishment. Despite being the son of a former president, Arévalo positioned himself as a fresh alternative.
Amid concerns over democratic elections and Arévalo's potential victory, there were attempts to undermine his campaign. His party's offices were raided and attempts were made to disqualify Semilla from participating. Guatemala's Cardinal Álvaro Ramazzini sought international faith groups' involvement in the elections, inviting organizations like Faith in Action and Hope Border Institute from the U.S. The attacks on Semilla inadvertently bolstered Arévalo's standing, as they exposed corrupt political actors clinging to power.
Dylan Corbett, Hope Border's executive director, praised the Guatemalan people for showcasing their resilience against corruption and their unwavering faith in democracy. He urged the United States to collaborate with the new government for a more just and equitable Central America. Sr. Rosa María Reyes, a member of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, captured the hopeful spirit of the election. She expressed the urgent need for a new direction in Guatemala, emphasizing justice, education, and healthcare.
With the Guatemalan population yearning for dignity and a brighter future, Arévalo's victory signals a transformative turning point. The country's collective desire for change and progress, fueled by their opposition to corruption, has set the stage for a path toward a more just and democratic society. As Sr. Rosa María Reyes eloquently put it, this election marks the beginning of a journey towards the dignity and justice that Guatemala so desperately needs.
