Nex Sunday (25), Guatemalans will elect President Alejandro Giammattei’s successor. If no candidate wins 50% of the votes + 1, a runoff election will be held on August 20th.
Giammattei’s low approval ratings (22%, Gallup) and the country’s socioeconomic deficiencies could have made this election one of change. Nevertheless, the top 3 candidates are well known to Guatemalans - Zury Ríos, Sandra Torres, and Edmond Mulet.
Guatemala has been performing well economically. While Latin America is set to grow by 1.6%, the country’s GDP could reach 3.4% this year. In 2021, it figured among Central America's top three FDI recipients, with 33% of the total. Notwithstanding this, inequality, high poverty and informality levels, and chronic infant malnutrition are worth noting.
Thus, make no mistake – Guatemalans’ expectations are high. And to meet the citizens’ needs, the next president should make bold moves. Starting with revising the country’s tax burden, the lowest in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Join Prospectiva’s Manuela Cambel and Thiago Vidal for a comprehensive assessment of Guatemala’s general elections.
