Guatemala’s president-elect vows tough anticorruption fight

Guatemalan president-elect Bernardo Arévalo, a progressive, won Sunday’s election on a promise to implement a rigorous anticorruption plan.

During the campaign, Arévalo (pictured), of the Semilla party, promised to appoint an anticorruption cabinet that will make proposals on legal reforms and agreements to increase transparency. 

Those convicted of corruption-related felonies will lose their right to be elected to public office, which Arévalo has called civil death.

To oversee the implementation of these measures, the new government will establish an autonomous surveillance committee, formed by government officials and civilians who will suggest actions to comply with data and procurement laws.

Arévalo also vowed to sack public prosecutor María Porras, who was appointed by incumbent Alejandro Giammattei. The US labeled Porras a corrupt agent and accused her of obstructing anticorruption investigations to protect political allies and of receiving political favors. 

According to daily Prensa Libre, Arévalo’s government plan also includes a 27bn-quetzal (US$3.3bn) infrastructure investment during his four-year term beginning January 14, to rehabilitate and expand the secondary road network in smaller regions to improve trade and food security.

Another 22bn quetzales will be spent on water services to reach 95% coverage, as well as broader electric power coverage. 

Arévalo also plans reforms and a 110bn-quetzal investment to improve education. He vowed to improve healthcare, including a new 800mn-quetzal hospital for cancer treatment and the refurbishment of health centers in remote locations. Social programs will also receive a boost. 

On Sunday, Arévalo won 58% of the votes, compared to 37% for his challenger Sandra Torres of social-Christian UNE party, who lost a presidential election for the third time.

Arévalo was a surprise winner. Before the first round on June 25, he did not appear in the polls. 

He and his allies have been targeted by authorities trying to invalidate the party’s credentials due to alleged irregularities in the member registry. In July, Arévalo told Plaza Pública news outlet that Giammattei was behind these attacks. Semilla remains under investigation.

Giammattei congratulated Arévalo on social media and invited him to a meeting to structure a smooth transition, which Arévalo reportedly accepted. 

In May, Arévalo told Prensa Libre that he would also reduce the presidential salary, have his cabinet define a plan for the first 100 days and return to key regions to talk to citizens.  

Photo credit: AFP