Guatemala Votes After Campaign Marred by Violence

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GUATEMALA CITY — A former general vowing to crack down on crime in Central America’s most violent country and a businessman who promises to alleviate poverty appeared to lead a pack of 14 candidates in Guatemala’s presidential vote yesterday.

The race was expected to end in a runoff in November, following a campaign marred by the deaths of about 50 candidates, party activists, and their family members. Yesterday’s vote took place under the watch of more than 34,000 police and soldiers. President Berger vowed to prevent any disruptions. “We are not going to let anyone interfere with the election,” he said. “It’s a happy day for Guatemala. Let’s all go out to vote.”

Voters lined up for more than two hours, and several hours after the polls opened, fog and drizzle gave way to sunshine and cool temperatures. Electoral officials urged voters to go the polls in the morning to avoid expected afternoon rain showers.

“I want things to change because there’s too much violence and crime in my neighborhood,” said Judith Orellana, 32, as she waited yesterday for a polling station to open in her gang-invested neighborhood outside Guatemala City.


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