Guatemala: Second round of presidential election August 11 /update 4

Event

Guatemala will hold a runoff election on Sunday, August 11, after the first round of voting on June 16 did not yield a definitive winner. The vote comes after center-left candidate and former first lady Sandra Torres received 25 percent of the vote and conservative candidate Alejandro Giammattei won 14 percent during the first round. 

Protests are possible amid the election and subsequent result announcement. Associated transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence are expected in the vicinity of any protests. Clashes cannot be ruled out.

Context

The first round June 16 elections showed former first lady Sandra Torres 25.27% of the vote, followed by conservative Alejandro Giammattei with 14.08% of the vote. Current Presiden Jimmy Morales is ineligible to run for re-election due to constitutional term limits. Violent protests were reported in Quiché, Quetzaltenango, Escuintla, and San Marcos departments on June 16-17.

Advice

Individuals in Guatemala are advised to monitor the situation for potential gatherings and protests, avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate localized disruption and a heightened security presence in the event of any demonstrations, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.