GUATEMALA: Right-wing retired army general Otto Perez set to win upcoming Presidencial elections

Record ID: 345176

  • Title: GUATEMALA: Right-wing retired army general Otto Perez set to win upcoming Presidencial elections
  • Date: 7th September 2011
  • Summary: MORE OF PEREZ'S SUPPORTERS AT RALLY
  • Embargoed: 22nd September 2011 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Guatemala, Guatemala
  • Country: Guatemala
  • Topics: Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA29TK0KCQLF6ZU2VN3SG3SFI0L
  • Story Text: With only a few days left of campaigning until voting day on September 11, candidates in Guatemala's national elections are rallying across the country in their final push for the government palace. Presidential and vice-presidential hopefuls and over 150 senators vying for power have taken to the the streets of the Central American country desperate to be heard in the crowded political scene.
    Controversial presidential candidate and retired army general Otto Perez of the Patriot Party has pushed out ahead of his political rivals in the latest opinion polls, with the popular right-wing candidate's final campaigns looking to consolidate on his lead on voting day and avoid a costly run-off election.
    "We are doing out best to make sure we win the first round but this depends on Guatemalan voters. If Guatemalans want to end our current situation once and for all and do not want a run-off that will cost us 150 million quetzals, as estimated by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. We are on the verge of winning the first round, but it depends on the Guatemalans who will go to vote, if they will be winners and triumphant and for the first time to allow breathing space for four months of an orderly transition," he said.
    With organised crime and drug fueled violence rising and an economy crippled by under-development, Perez's conservative Patriot Party is appealing to voters frustrations and demand for change in the tiny Central American country.
    "On the 11th September we expect a change in Guatemala. Insecurity is growing worse each day, crime is becoming more widespread and politicians are lacking credibility. Guatemalans have shown that they want a change because General Otto Perez Molina can win in the first round (of elections)," said Patriot Party Senator, Gudi Rivera.
    Trailing the conservative candidate is leftist-leader of the Renewed Democratic Party (LIDER) Manuel Baldizon who has been talking up voter concerns of a right-wing government headed by a retired army general in a country. Still emerging from the ravages of a bloody civil war and with one of the highest poverty rates in Latin America, LIDER is hoping to stave off a majority vote for Perez in the first round.
    "We are in touch with the people, and what better alliance can there be then with Baldizon with the people of Guatemala and God. Today we are ready to go onto the next round, if God allows it. We are going to talking to all sectors, politicians, business, labour unions, and we invite you all to join our efforts in winning the second round as it will be the people of Guatemala who wins," said Baldizon.
    In the impoverished Central American country where one in two Guatemalan children under five are malnourished the leftist sentiments of Baldizon are a popular drawcard for the masses worried about Perez's "iron-first" policies.
    "He (Baldizon) is an ideal person to govern, we hope that his message encourages the people of Gomera and all the people of Guatemala to consider their vote and vote on September 11th for LIDER (Renewed Democratic Party)," said LIDER supporter, Rodrigo Orozco.
    If Perez does not win 50 percent plus one vote in the first round, a run-off between the top two candidates will be held on November 6. However, with violence often plaguing elections in Guatemala and death threats against candidates and poll monitors common, some Latin American political analysts point out that politics in the impoverished country is an unpredictable affair.
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