Democracy & Elections Archives

Democracy & Elections

The Nicaragua crisis: Ortega digs in amidst a long-lasting stalemate

By Salvador Martí / April 9, 2019

Reconstructing democracy and restoring social trust in Nicaragua is going to take significant time and effort. The current climate of political instability, economic crisis and international hostility make it impossible for Daniel Ortega to continue governing. So, what options are there?

In Panama, corruption looms over May presidential elections

By Lucas Perelló / lucasperello / April 4, 2019

The corruption-plagued Varela (2014-2019) presidency will likely result in the election of Laurentino Cortizo and the return of the Revolutionary Democratic Party to the Palacio de las Garzas.

Brazil: How should the once-dominant Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT) reconstruct itself?

By Esther Solano / March 8, 2019

The PT has an opportunity to frame itself as the progressive alternative to the Bolsonaro government, but it must reconnect with its base.

Navigating Guyana’s muddy waters

By Evan Ellis / REvanEllis / March 4, 2019

On the eve of a massive oil windfall, Guyana finds itself in the midst of a political power struggle, forcing the United States to walk a careful path between a comfortable partner and a regime it once looked on with suspicion.

Is Haiti Unraveling?

By Georges Fauriol / February 15, 2019

Popular protests are rocking Haiti’s government, and have included allegations of an assassination attempt against the president. Some see Venezuela’s fingerprints on parts of the unrest.

Where’s the party? Is Colombia about to become Peru?

By Christopher Sabatini / chrissabatini / February 14, 2019

Ivan Duque’s low approval ratings have been blamed on missteps, migrants and a mentor that never seems to go away. But there are structural reasons too, and those aren’t likely to go away after his term.

The 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index: A frustrating lack of progress in the Americas

By William Naylor / wm_naylor / February 13, 2019

While Argentina and smaller countries from around the region have successfully improved perceived levels of corruption, many regional heavy hitters have slipped severely or remain among the world’s most corrupt governments.

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.

Guatemalan rule of law at risk as Morales strikes CICIG again

By Luis E. Barrueto / lebarrueto / January 11, 2019

Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales is playing constitutional hardball with the country’s top court, which in recent months has been the sole obstacle to his attempts to oust CICIG. Now the entire judicial system—and the country’s fragile democracy—is at risk.