Supporters of Guatemalan President-elect Arevalo.

Attempts to subvert democracy have become a staple of our time. But amid this deeply worrisome trend is an encouraging development: Those attempts appear to be failing, as those who support democracy get better at defending it. Consider Guatemala, where a soft coup was defeated by the country’s citizens and international pressure.

Guatemalan President-elect Bernardo Arevalo.

In Guatemala, efforts by the outgoing administration of President Alejandro Giammattei to prevent President-elect Bernardo Arevalo from taking office continue despite evidence that Guatemalans are determined to defend the electoral results. Most recently, the government has tried to cook up a criminal case against Arevalo.

Guatemala's politics have taken a turn since Bernardo Arevalo won the most recent presidential election.

Guatemalans have taken to the streets to make sure President-elect Bernardo Arevalo takes office in January as scheduled. The protesters are convinced that Guatemala’s ruling political and economic elites are attempting to undo the results of the country’s recent presidential election—and they have good reason to be alarmed.

Free Newsletter