Lucas Perelló, Author at Global Americans

Democracy & Elections

In a strong rebuke to traditional parties, Nayib Bukele wins the Salvadoran presidency

By Lucas Perelló / lucasperello / February 4, 2019

Salvadorans voted for a populist maverick as their next president. But low voter turnout and a lack of friends in Congress promise to weaken the mandate of the president-elect.

In a familiar scenario in the region, Salvadorans upset with traditional parties are betting on a political maverick

By Lucas Perelló / lucasperello / January 16, 2019

Nayib Bukele, a former FMLN member now running as a third-party candidate, is expected to win the first round on February 3rd. The question now is whether or not he will amass sufficient support to avoid a runoff on March 10th.

Democracy & Elections

An outsider candidate looms large in El Salvador’s February presidential election

By Lucas Perelló / lucasperello / September 13, 2018

Widespread discontent with corruption-plagued traditional parties might result in a historical win for Nayib Bukele, a former FMLN member who is now running on a third-party platform.

Democracy & Elections

Chile: Has President Sebastián Piñera’s political honeymoon come to an abrupt end?

By Lucas Perelló / lucasperello / August 15, 2018

Five months into his second presidency, Sebastián Piñera has seen his popularity drop. Unrealistic expectations over economic growth and a series of controversial statements from his cabinet members explain why.

Democracy & Elections

In Costa Rica, an Easter surprise sees voters reject a conservative firebrand

By Lucas Perelló / lucasperello / April 4, 2018

In a surprise vote marked by high turnout and polarization surrounding same-sex marriage, Carlos Alvarado defeated Fabricio Alvarado. But Fabricio may not have been the biggest loser in the landslide election.

Democracy & Elections

The rise and fall of Pedro Pablo Kuczynski

By Lucas Perelló / lucasperello / March 23, 2018

PPK’s resignation will lead to more political polarization and chaos in Peru, but it is only one symptom of a far larger corruption crisis facing the Andean country and the region at large.

Democracy & Elections

Colombian legislative election results showed just how popular the FARC is among Colombian voters

By Lucas Perelló / lucasperello / March 15, 2018

Colombia’s congressional election and inter-party primaries point to the return of uribismo to the presidency. Meanwhile, despite international attention, the FARC’s electoral debut was a bust.

Democracy & Elections

After a surprise vote, a showdown between Alvarados will determine Costa Rica’s next president

By Lucas Perelló / lucasperello / February 6, 2018

Following a surprising result on Sunday, Fabricio Alvarado and Carlos Alvarado will face off in a run-off election on April 1.

Democracy & Elections

In Costa Rica, uncertainty looms over Sunday’s presidential election

By Lucas Perelló / lucasperello / February 1, 2018

In a country long known as one of Latin America’s most stable democracies, a socially conservative outsider is leading polls ahead of Sunday’s first-round vote.

Democracy & Elections

What to do about Honduras’ controversial presidential election

By Lucas Perelló / lucasperello / December 5, 2017

After a contentious presidential election, a full investigation must be conducted to examine the extent of alleged irregularities. It’s not too late to demand a full recount of votes or a run-off election.