Guatemala’s corruption is thrust into international spotlight by the government’s election meddling

By SONIA PÉREZ D. and CHRISTOPHER SHERMAN
Associated Press

GUATEMALA CITY (AP) — The Guatemalan government’s clumsy interference with its presidential election has turned a global spotlight on a country whose struggles with deep corruption previously received little international notice. President Alejandro Giammattei was deeply unpopular at home, but managed to consolidate his control of the justice system with little consequence. The June 25 presidential election quickly upended the status quo when voters sent a progressive candidate into next month’s runoff against one of the president’s conservative allies. Giammattei’s troubles worsened when federal prosecutors suspended the progressive Seed party and raided the Supreme Electoral Tribunal after it certified election results. The moves drew swift condemnation from within and outside the country.