Who is who in the 2011 elections....
Legal or illegal candidate seems to be the main theme so far. The law states that close relatives to current/former presidents/dictators cannot enter the elections for President. But somehow several candidates believe they can pass anyways.
The final decision in these matters is in the hands of Guatemala’s Constitutional Court. This court is not at its strongest these days, as the members seems to have strong political agendas... both to the political right and left, so maybe it doesnt have much effect.
Now.. heres the brutto-list as of the beginning of the year...
Zury Mayté Ríos Montt Sosa de Weller (member of parliament), the daughter of ex- military dictator Efrain Rios Montt (who came to power by a coup in 1982). Zury is appearently an illegal candidate as she is related to a former president/dictator.
Sandra Colom ("first lady"), wife of current President Alvaro Colom. As she is related to a former president Sandra would also be considered an illegal candidate... so she quickly started a divorcion process. This divorce is still being processed. Noody is really sure if it will make her a legal candidate.
Alvaro Arzu, ex-president of Guatemala, Mayor of Guatemala City. Many expected him to declare his candidacy for the presidency. But as former president and therefor an "illegal" candidate he would have to fight hard to enter the elections. He quickly clarified that he want to be the city mayor again and not president.
Otto Pérez Molina, Number two in the 2007 elections.. A few basic facts from Wiki.
More links to recent articles about Otto Pérez: WikiLeaks: Otto Perez Molina No Babe In The Woods
Otto Pérez Molina declared his candidacy at a meeting in the city may 8th 2011. He seems to be the leading candidate so far
photos: www.fotoguate.com
The Guatemala Times sums up the status of the lection 2011 in these two articles:
A glimpse at Guatemala’s election panorama 2011 and Illegality and immorality of Guatemala´s election process
