Guatemala's Progressive Candidate Declared Winner in Presidential Elections

Guatemala City - In a historic decision, the top electoral tribunal of Guatemala has declared Bernardo Arévalo the winner of the country's presidential elections. However, uncertainties surround his assumption of office on Jan. 14 after the suspension of all activities by his Seed Movement party by another government body.

The reasons behind this suspension remain unclear, leaving the president-elect's future in a state of uncertainty. This development follows what has been one of the most tumultuous elections in the recent history of Guatemala, creating a critical test for the nation's democracy.

At a time when Guatemalans are desperate for change and disillusioned by rampant corruption, Arévalo and other anti-establishment candidates have faced relentless judicial attacks in an attempt to eliminate them from the race.

Arévalo, a relatively unknown figure and the son of a former president, surprised the country by emerging as a strong contender in the first round of presidential elections held in June. This sudden rise in popularity came after several other candidates were disqualified.

He rapidly gained support by championing social progress and denouncing corruption within the country's elite. In the presidential runoff on Aug. 20, he went head-to-head with former first lady Sandra Torres. The official count revealed that Arévalo secured 60.9% of valid votes, while Torres obtained 37.2% as a representative of the right-wing ideology.

However, his victory has since become entangled in a legal battle involving various governmental entities and courts, some of which have been plagued by corruption scandals and faced sanctions from the United States.

The attorney general's office had initiated an investigation into the Seed Movement for alleged irregularities in gathering signatures for its party formation. As a result, the electoral registry suspended the party on Monday.

The Seed Party has three days to challenge this suspension, and if they do, the matter will be escalated to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, the very institution that initially confirmed Arévalo's victory.