International community cheers Guatemala anti-graft candidate’s landslide victory
4861 Min Read
International leaders celebrated the overwhelming victory of Guatemalan presidential aspirant Bernardo Arevalo, a win which had long seemed out of reach for the anti-graft candidate in an elections process shaken by accusations of government intervention.
“A salute to the people and government of Guatemala for an exemplary election day, a true civic celebration,” said Organization of American States (OAS) chief Luis Almagro on X, the social media network formerly known as Twitter.
Arevalo, a 64-year-old former diplomat and son of Guatemala’s first democratically elected president, nabbed 58% of votes versus former first lady Sandra Torres’ 37%, with nearly all votes counted.
🇬🇹 Social democrat Bernardo Arevalo swept to victory in #Guatemala's presidential election on Sunday, with his anti-#corruption message firing up voters.
🗳️ The 64-year-old sociologist's victory was a massive upset that defies attempts to have his party disqualified. pic.twitter.com/NBQnozfcAL
The outcome of the vote is already very clear,” European Union’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement. “It is crucial for all state institutions and all sectors of society to support and join in this effort in the interests of the country.”
Arevalo, who ran on a campaign of fighting corruption, faced an uphill battle at the polls. He came in a surprise second place in a first-round vote earlier this year, triggering a run-off.
A number of other opposition candidates had been barred from running.
