Anti-corruption campaigner wins presidential election in Guatemala

Arevalo’s victory is seen as a rejection of Guatemala’s established political parties

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala – Anti-corruption campaigner Bernardo Arevalo has been elected president of the Central American country of Guatemala.

He prevailed over former first lady Sandra Torres with 58% of the vote.

Arevalo’s victory is seen as a rejection of Guatemala’s established political parties.

He has promised to “clean up the institutions co-opted by the corrupt” and fight for justice.

Arevalo’s victory is being closely watched by the international community, including the U.S., because of his promises to expand relations with China.

Arevalo is a 64-year-old ex-diplomat and son of a former president.

He emerged unexpectedly from political irrelevance to build a major anti-corruption movement with his Semilla party.

His victory comes at a time when violence and food insecurity are rocking the country and triggering a new wave of migration.

A key representative of the Organization of American States (OAS), which sent 86 election observers to Guatemala, told the media that the election went smoothly.

According to Turkiye’s Anadolu news agency, Attorney General’s Office had tried to disqualify Arevalo’s Semilla Movement party over an alleged corruption case that many have called a hoax after he surprisingly finished second in the first round. 

Days later, a court ordered the suspension of the party and the Guatemalan police raided the party’s offices.

The crisis prompted widespread protests in the Central American country and boosted Arevalo’s presidential aspirations.