Guatemalans remember 1954 U.S.-backed coup as they battle today's right-wing election theft
July 21, 2023 1:50 PM CDT BY BRANDON SANCHEZ
Guatemalans remember 1954 U.S.-backed coup as they battle today’s right-wing election theft
Semilla Party congresswoman-elect Elena Motta is embraced by a supporter as they celebrate at Constitution Square in Guatemala City, June 26, 2023. Semilla's presidential candidate Bernardo Arevalo and former first lady Sandra Torres of the UNE party are going to an Aug. 20 presidential runoff. But the right-wing powers-that-be are determined go block Semilla and its candidate from participating. | Moises Castillo / AP
On June 25, Guatemala held presidential elections that saw some 22 candidates in the running. To the surprise of many in the ruling class, Bernardo Arévalo of the center-left Semilla (Seed) Movement advanced to the second round due on August 20. Their response? Do everything possible to try to block Semila.
Previous polls showed Arévalo and Semilla polling at below 3%, not even among the top seven candidates. But Arévalo will now be pitted against Sandra Torres, former first lady and now candidate of the right-wing UNE party (National Unity for Hope).
Contrary to conservative claims, Arévalo isn’t a communist or socialist, but his party’s platform certainly represents a shift away from the right-wing status quo. Semilla’s policy promises are a direct challenge to the powers that have long ruled Guatemala. The party pledges to invest billions in public education and beef up public healthcare with the goal of eventually reaching universal coverage.
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To the dismay of the Guatemalan people, at some ballot box storage sites, the military—with several right-wing parties assisting soldiers—seized ballot boxes by force. This raised fears of outright election theft and ballot destruction of falsification.
More:
https://www.peoplesworld.org/article/guatemalans-remember-1954-u-s-backed-coup-as-they-battle-todays-right-wing-election-theft/