President-Elect Bernardo Arévalo Reinspires Guatemalan Democracy
President-Elect Bernardo Arévalo (Wikimedia Commons)
Demonstrations in Guatemala erupt in support of the new president-elect, Bernardo Arévalo, after his landslide victory in the August 20th, 2023 elections.
These protests signify a growing support for democracy among youth in a country with a long history of democratic skepticism. Arevalo has vowed to tackle the country’s deep political corruption which, even in the face of institutional backlash, has inspired a new generation.
Guatemala is a region with a tumultuous political history with a fragile democracy. This is reflected in the AmericasBarometer survey on democratic support in Guatemala which shows that 61% of the country believes that democracy is the preferable form of government, but only 43% are satisfied with the current state of democracy.
Furthermore, only 32% reported confidence in elections which is the fifth lowest score in Latin America and with elections being an essential aspect of democracy, low trust in elections demonstrates the public distrust in Guatemala’s institutions.
Low trust has historically resulted in poor voter turnout, even in instances of fair elections which also highlights the public's historical political apathy.
The previous election, in 2019, is further evidence of this political disillusionment with only 45% voter turnout and the victory of the unlikely candidate, Alejandro Giammattei. Giammattei was only successful in his campaign after the court barred other popular candidates from running. His success can be accredited to complacency in corruption and appeal to conservative ideals which set the tone for the modern political climate.
The current president-elect, Bernado Arévalo, was elected in a landslide victory on August 20th, 2023 against Sandra Torres, the former first lady of Guatemala.
Arévalo is part of the Semilla, or Seed, party which is an anti-corruption movement started in 2015 in the wake of anti-corruption protests. The public and political reaction to the election results further exposes the increased political engagement of Guatemalans and the depth of institutional corruption.
Attorney General Consuelo Porras has launched an investigation into the election in an effort to overturn the results despite the integrity of the election being endorsed by international observers, such as the Organization of American States (OAS).
The attempts to overturn the election have been called unfair by the OAS, Arévalo himself and even labeled a coup attempt by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the president of Brazil.
The Attorney General’s office has not only requested a court order to raid Semilla’s headquarters, but has already illegally opened ballot boxes in order to prove their claims of election fraud.
These actions are a violation of the integrity of the electoral process and violation of the integrity of the electoral process and of Guatemala’s electoral law. Arévalo has made sure to draw attention to these actions publicly and has called the Guatemalan people to the streets to protect their elected candidate and defend their democracy.
The people responded to his call and took to the streets by the thousands in September 2023. Protesters blocked major highways and displayed their support for Arévalo. Many demanded the resignation of officials attempting to block Arévalo’s path to the presidency, exhibiting a renewed faith in democratic power.
These protests represent a newly mobilized Guatemalan youth, a key component in Arévalo’s success, and a reinvigorated support of democracy. Guatemalans responded to Arévalo’s call to action in defense of their democracy.
The effects of the push for democracy are already visible. Sitting president Guammattei spoke out against Brazil’s de Lula and stated “Contrary to the supposed truths we’ve heard from this podium today, I will hand over power to the person who was elected in the elections.”
The pressure of the protests has encouraged Giammattei to peacefully hand over power, displaying respect for a vital component of democracy: the peaceful transfer of power.
The election results have also garnered international support evidenced through Vice President Harris’ phone call to Arévalo to extend congratulations. International backing combined with domestic activism represents an optimistic future of Guatemalan democracy.