Runoff vote expected in Guatemala

Two hours before polls closed on Sunday, the electoral commission said that more than 50 percent of Guatemala's 7.5 million registered voters had turned out. Along with a new president, 338 mayors and 158 congressional deputies are to be elected.

Participation in the vote calmed some of the concerns that there would be a mass abstention, following weeks of protest against corruption within the political system. According to the Central American Institute for Fiscal Studies (ICEFI), 50 percent of party financing comes from illegal sources.

By early Sunday afternoon, about 40 incidents had been reported but Interior Minister Eunice Mendizabal said "none had affected the electoral process." Some 35,000 police officers had been deployed throughout the country on Sunday.

US-based rights group the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala reported on Sunday that the attorney general had received more than 900 complaints of election fraud.

'Guatemala wants change'

Going into the vote there were 14 candidates, with comedian Jimmy Morales (photo) ahead in the opinion polls with 25 percent support among voters. Morales has no political experience, holds moderate right-wing views and stands on an anti-corruption ticket: "not corrupt, not a thief."

"Guatemala wants change and to not be governed by people with dark pasts," Morales said on Sunday after voting near Guatemala City.

His nearest rival in the opinion polls ahead of the vote was Manuel Baldizon, at 22.9 percent support. But his running mate, former central bank chief Edgar Barquin, has been accused of criminal association and influence trafficking by the United Nations-backed anti-corruption commission. Barquin has not been charged.

Sandra Torres, the ex-wife of former president Alvaro Colom, had 18.4 percent support in opinion polls.

The corruption within government was revealed by a joint investigation by the UN-backed International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), and the Guatemalan Public Ministry. It led to the resignation and arrest of both former President Perez Molina and his deputy Roxana Baldetti. Both are in jail awaiting the result of investigations.

No presidential candidate is expected to win after the first round. A second vote has been scheduled for October 25.

jm/cmk (EFE, AFP)