Democracy News

Former General Perez Wins Guatemalan Presidential Election
November 7, 2011
By: Randi Zung | Printer Friendly

On November 6, Otto Perez Molina won the Guatemalan presidential election following a second round runoff against Manuel Baldizon. The New York Times reported that Perez, a retired military general, received over 55 percent of the overall votes. During the first round of voting in September, Perez beat Baldizon by a margin that was not enough to declare him the outright winner. Perez campaigned on a platform that included combating organized crime and drugs in the country.

Voice of America reported that Perez is viewed as a controversial figure for his time in the military. During the country’s civil war (1960 – 1996) over 200,000 people disappeared or were assumed killed by the military, but Perez denies that massacres or genocide occurred. BBC News reported that Perez has been accused by human rights groups of being involved in numerous civilian deaths, but he says he is innocent. According to Democracy Digest, human right groups are weary of Perez’s win, as they worry his military background could see a return of excessive force against civilians.

Additionally, the New York Times reported the poll suffered from a low voter turnout of just over 50 percent.  In previous elections the voter turnout rate was much higher and the drop in participation is being viewed as a sign that Guatemalans are dissatisfied with the current political climate.

Perez’s will take office in mid-January 2012, and will also be faced with addressing the country’s growing economic problems.

For previous news on Guatemala, please see:
Guatemalan Presidential Election Heads to Runoff

Sources:
BBC News - Profile: Guatemala president-elect Otto Perez Molina

New York Times - Former General Elected President of Guatemala

Voice of America - Ex-General Wins Guatemala Presidential Election

Democracy Digest - Guatemala’s ‘social fabric at stake’ from non-state actors