Elections on Sunday

Or as my friend said "Elections or Deceptions?"

We’re in the final stretch before the presidential elections this Sunday. I have to admit it’s made it quite an interesting time to be in Guatemala. I think many people would differ as they are just bored with the same old rhetoric, the promises, the slogans and logos plastered all over the place, the vehicles driving by with the blaring music for one party or another. All in all, most of the Guatemalans I have spoken with are not very enthused, especially the youth who demonstrate the most indifference.

Above and beyond the “same old”, it’s been the most violent election race since the end of the 36 year civil war. Amnesty International has called on presidential hopefuls to condemn the 40 plus local candidates and activists that have been killed. (In addition, there are also 158 congressmen and 332 mayors to be elected.)

There are approximately 15 candidates for the presidency. Some of the most notable are Otto Pérez Molina and Alvaro Colom, both leading in the polls, and Rigoberta Menchú, whose chances of winning are slim to none. Pérez Molina running with the right-wing Partido Patriota (Patriot Party) is an ex-general and former head of military intelligence. His very popular and catchy slogan is the MANO DURA (strong hand) against violence and corruption. The song goes something like this: Mano dura, cabeza y corazon (strong hand, head and heart). You here it all over the place, I even catch myself singing the tune now and then.

Alvaro Colom is a businessman and industrial engineer by training and is representing the social democratic party, UNE- Unidad Nacional de la Esperanza (the National Unity for Hope). Pérez Molina likes to refer to him as MANO AGUADA (weak hand). Colom’s response “…a Guatemala of harmony and solidarity, where poverty is substituted with prosperity, and the strong hand is substituted by a hand of solidarity.”

Rigoberta Menchú is the only indigenous woman that is running for president and the first woman to do so. She is with the more leftist Encuentro por Guatemala (Encounter for Guatemala). Despite receiving the 1992 Nobel Peace Prize and being indigenous, in a country where approximately 40% of the population is indigenous, she does not have a strong backing at all. I’ve heard informally here and there that she is just out to benefit herself and since receiving fame in 1992, she has done very little for her people. Her candidacy and disdain by many has shed much light on the prevalence of racism and machismo in the country.

If none of the candidates get more than 50% of the vote, a run-off election will be held on November 4th. This seems the most likely scenario as Pérez Molina and Colom currently stand at 31.8% and 31.7%, respectively, in the polls.

The elections are being monitored by the European Union, the Organization of American States and non-governmental organizations. I am excited to say that I will be an international electoral observer. I’m not sure what to expect; I just hope Election Day is calm. My orientation was interesting. It was a two-hour long session to inform us on how things will be set up and what we are expected to do. Basically we will sit there observing, making sure everything runs smoothly, that there are no irregularities, people are able to vote with no problems or obstacles, and making sure they receive the proper assistance if needed. Sounds easy enough! I can’t help but mention the gentleman who is coordinating this particular group of observers. He spoke rather eloquently and was dressed in a suit and tie that day, and I just couldn’t help but notice all his gold jewelry- rings and bracelets. The comic relief of the morning came when his phone rang, while he was speaking from the front of the room, I said to myself “gosh, I really know that tune.” Oh yeah, and many of you would too! It was the song from the Godfather. Yes, the Godfather! And not only did his one phone ring to this tune, but he had a second phone with the same music! Need I say more?

Now here is an interesting tidbit about the elections, as with most Latin American countries (I believe), there is something called the Ley Seca (Dry Law). This means that of this Saturday at noon it is strictly prohibited to buy or drink alcohol. The law will stay in effect until Monday. We don’t want any drunk or hungover voters …or observers.