Guatemala Election 2011: Otto Pérez Molina Takes The Lead

[naaman fletcher]

In Guatemala's fourth round of presidential elections since the country's 35-year civil war ended in 1996, retired army general Otto Pérez Molina is poised to come out on top. According to the latest poll by Siglo 21, Pérez has maintained his lead with nearly 45 percent of the vote, despite losing over 8 points since a survey in July. Pérez is running against Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Rigoberta Menchu, Eduardo Suger, and Manuel Baldizón. He needs 50 percent plus one vote to win the election; otherwise, a second round will be scheduled for November 6.

However, the impoverished country's road to election day has not been without its bumps. At least 35 people have been killed in campaign-related violence, and fear of political violence leading up to election day remains a major concern. The Los Angeles Times quotes Karen Fisher, a former anti-corruption prosecutor in Guatemala:

"People are now more afraid that a sicario on a motorcycle can shoot you for no reason, but they're also more afraid of the increasing political insecurity."

Moreover, campaign funding scandals also have come to light. Two leading parties reportedly have grossly exceeded the maximum campaign spending limit. A lack of transparency in campaign funding has caused concern among some NGOs that the money is coming from illegal groups infiltrating Guatemalan politics.