GUATEMALA CITY, Oct. 26 (UPI) — Jimmy Morales, a former television comedian, will be the next president of Guatemala after a resounding victory in the Latin American country’s elections.
With all votes counted, Morales’ National Convergence Front party won with 67.44 percent of votes over the 32.56 percent gained by the National Unity of Hope party, led by Sandra Torres — first lady during her former husband Álvaro Colom’s presidency from 2008 until 2011.
The Sunday election had a voter participation rate of 56.32 percent — 4,255,875 Guatemalans cast votes, according to Guatemala’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal. Turnout was lower than in the election’s first round in September, blamed on heavy rains that may have discouraged voters to come out to polls.
Morales, 46, ran a failed campaign in 2011 to become mayor of Mixco, a district in the country’s capital Guatemala City. He and Torres both ran presidential campaigns this year promising to clean up Guatemala’s politics, particularly in a year filled with scandal.
“We have a great responsibility,” Morales said after election results were reported. “This mandate that we are receiving is to fight against corruption.”
In September, former President Otto Pérez Molina resigned and was soon arrested amid a bribery and corruption scandal. He faces charges of fraud, illicit association and corruption.
Voters in Guatemala were vocally distrustful of politicians ahead of and during the election. Although Morales does not fit the description of a career politician, many in Guatemala remain skeptical over fears of institutional corruption.
“I have been asked if we have the capacity to govern, and we have been emphatic in saying that alone — no — but with the blessing of God, and the support of the people, we are sure that yes, we can. Because Guatemala has made a choice that it wants a change,” Morales said. He will take office Jan. 14.
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto congratulated Morales on his presidential victory.
“In the name of the Mexican people, I congratulate Jimmy Morales for his triumph in the presidential election of Guatemala,” Nieto said in a statement. “The government of Mexico will work with your government to further strengthen our bilateral relationship and promote together the development of Central America.”
