"Troubled Presidential Election Looms as Guatemalans Prepare to Vote"

Guatemala is preparing for its troubled presidential runoff on August 20, with former first lady Sandra Torres running against anti-corruption candidate Bernardo Arévalo. The race has been marred by allegations of government interference and concerns about democratic backsliding. Disenchantment with the electoral system has led to high levels of blank or invalid votes and voter abstention. Arévalo's unexpected success in the first round has reinvigorated the election cycle, offering voters an option to reject the current political system. Corruption, unemployment, and high living costs are key concerns for voters. Arévalo aims to tackle corruption at its source and bring back those who fled the country due to the dissolution of the anti-corruption commission. However, even if Arévalo wins, he may face challenges from the establishment parties controlling Congress.