Voting closes as Guatemalans choose new president after a tumultuous electoral season

By SONIA PÉREZ D. and CHRISTOPHER SHERMAN
Associated Press

GUATEMALA CITY (AP) — Polling centers have closed in Guatemala and poll workers are beginning to tally ballots to determine hundreds of congressional and local races. But the big presidential field in Sunday’s election is expected only to be narrowed and require a runoff. While some isolated incidents reportedly interrupted the vote in some localities, voting appeared to have been orderly and peaceful in much of the country. Many Guatemalans have expressed disappointment with their presidential choices after three opposition candidates were excluded by authorities. With none of the 22 presidential candidates polling near the required 50% threshold for winning outright, a second round of voting on Aug. 20 between the top two finishers is almost certain.