Elections in Guatemala Nov 9
 

Has anybody heared more about these potential issues with the upcoming elections in Guatemala?

I got lots of negative input about Guatemala from backpackers in the last couple of days?

Aparently some Ex-General is taking part in the elections and the situation in the country could escalate after the elections.

I still plan to stay in Guatemala for a 2 weeks Spanish course, thus I would appreciate inside information.


Thanks,
Steffen

Hi Steffen,
He's called Montt. He was president for a while many years ago. While in power he managed to kill over 25,000 Guatemalan people in 18 months! The powers that be were alarmed when he said he was going to run for government again and stopped him from taking part in the election. In response to this Montt sent a gang into the capital and proceeded to cause general mayhem, attacking people and the press, until he was allowed back on the ballot. Everyone I spoke to hates him but they all know that after such acts, he has no intention of losing. There are many accounts of people being paid to vote for him on behalf of unregistered, dead reletives and things like that. The Guatemalans that I know are all threatening to emigrate if he gets elected and I can’t blame them.
I have no idea how this will affect you as far as traveling goes but that is what’s happening.
Trys