No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeCentral AmericaGuatemalaGuatemalans Rally Against Alleged Efforts to Disrupt Presidential Runoff

Guatemalans Rally Against Alleged Efforts to Disrupt Presidential Runoff

Hundreds of Guatemalans gathered in the capital on Sunday to demand the resignation of the attorney general and several prosecutors over their alleged attempts to disrupt the upcoming presidential runoff election. Many demonstrators held signs calling for an end to a right-wing campaign seen by many as challenging the legitimacy of the August 20 runoff.

Protesters called for the dismissal of Attorney General Consuelo Porras, whose office is trying to disqualify the Semilla (Seed) Party of Bernardo Arevalo, a social democrat who unexpectedly secured a spot in the runoff, stunning many in the country. “There have been various questionable legal actions meant to invalidate the June 25 (first round) vote,” said Mayan activist Alida Vicente. “Out with the corrupt! We’ve had enough!” chanters yelled, some beating drums.

Last year the US State Department designated Porras as corrupt and undemocratic, saying she was undermining anti-corruption probes. Marchers also sought the ouster of Judge Fredy Orellana and prosecutor Rafael Curruchiche.

On Curruchiche’s orders, Orellana instructed the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) to bar the Semilla Party, alleging irregularities in its founding in 2017. The Tribunal did not comply. In response, judicial agents twice raided the TSE and tried to detain an official there, and on Friday they searched Semilla headquarters in the capital.

Arevalo is set to face Sandra Torres, a former first lady who is also center-left, in next month’s runoff. Whoever prevails will end 12 years of right-wing rule in the Central American nation. The turbulent legal maneuvers in recent weeks are widely seen in Guatemala and abroad as an attempt to stop Arevalo’s candidacy.

On Saturday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed “great concern” over the elections and urged Guatemalan authorities to protect citizens “from any unlawful or arbitrary interference with the voting process.” Organizers called for protesters to erect roadblocks on Monday and businesses to close as part of a national strike against interference in the election.

Trending Now

Celso Gamboa Allegedly Ran Drug Ring with Costa Rican Government Ties

Celso Gamboa, once Costa Rica’s Security Minister and a Supreme Court judge, now faces extradition to the U.S. for leading a major cocaine trafficking...

Why Costa Rica’s Northern Huetar Region Struggles Despite Its Riches

Costa Rica’s Northern Huetar Region, a sprawling area of 9,790 square kilometers, is home to over 437,000 people across districts like San Carlos, Upala,...

Costa Rica Joins U.S. Global Entry, Easing Travel for Tourists

Costa Rica took a big step forward, by officially joining the U.S. Global Entry program, a move set to make travel smoother for Costa...

A Costa Rica Love Story: From Rustic Cabina to Separate Dreams

My Tica wife and I have been together for over a quarter century. When we met, I was living a simple life here. Three...

Costa Rica’s President Chaves Accused of Illicit Campaign Financing

On Monday, Costa Rica’s Prosecutor’s Office formally accused President Rodrigo Chaves along with six high-ranking officials and pro-government legislators of allegedly engaging in illicit...

Costa Rica Surf Film Festival Honors ‘Pura Vida Bodysurfing’ with Top Audience Award

Pura Vida Bodysurfing is an award-winning short film that strips surfing back to its essence—riding waves without a surfboard. Filmed across Costa Rica’s legendary...
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica