Guatemala: Pérez Takes the Lead in the First Round

Otto Pérez Molina, a retired general and presidential candidate for the Patriotic Party entered the second round with his opponent Manuel Baldizón, Renewed Democratic Freedom Party.

With 95% of votes counted Monday afternoon, Perez Molina had 35% of votes — far short of the more than 50% needed to win outright. His closest competitor, businessman Manuel Baldizon, had 23% of votes, the state-run AGN news agency reported, citing Guatemala’s election authority.

Both candidates begin to sharpen their strategies for getting the most votes in the primaries.

(BG)