Anti-corruption candidate Bernardo Arévalo triumphs in Guatemala's presidential election

Bernardo Arévalo, an anti-corruption candidate from the progressive Movimiento Semilla party, has won Guatemala's presidential election, defeating former first lady Sandra Torres. Arévalo's victory comes amidst concerns of democratic backsliding and a race marred by controversy. With a majority of the votes counted, Arévalo secured 59.1% of the vote. He pledged to tackle corruption, crime, malnutrition, and inequality, but faces challenges as Congress is expected to be controlled by establishment parties. Analysts warn of potential attempts to undermine his win, citing previous efforts to disqualify him. The dissolution of a UN-backed anti-corruption commission in 2019 has worsened corruption and inequality in Guatemala.