The popularity of Nayib Bukele’s iron-fisted crime policies in El Salvador has caused politicians across Latin America to emulate him. But the results of recent elections in Ecuador and Guatemala indicate voters want more than tough talk.
Guatemala
The probability that Bernardo Arevalo will succeed as Guatemala’s president is slim, but so were the odds of him making it this far to become president-elect. In spite of all the reasons for pessimism, this is a success story that the entire hemisphere should embrace. Arevalo can succeed if the world pays attention.
Guatemalan voters turned out in large numbers yesterday to elect Bernardo Arevalo as their president. Arevalo’s victory is a chance for positive change in Guatemala, but it’s still a troubling sign that traditional parties and systems are failing in the region.
