In Panama, corruption looms over May presidential elections

elections

Democracy & Elections

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.

Democracy & Elections

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.

Venezuela

The Guaidó generation

By Andrés Cañizález / infocracia / February 20, 2019

Juan Guaidó, who only a month ago was little known on the international scene, has positioned himself as the leader of a generation of service-oriented young Venezuelans who today represent the best option for unleashing a democratic transition in the country.

Democracy & Elections

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.

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.

Democracy & Elections

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.

Human Rights & Multilateral Organizations

OAS Permanent Council rejects Nicolas Maduro’s new term

By Victoria Gaytan / VickyGO / January 10, 2019

With 19 votes in favor, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) agreed “to not recognize the legitimacy of Nicolas Maduro’s new term as of the 10th of January of 2019.”

Democracy & Elections

Guyana at Risk: Ethnic politics, oil, Venezuelan opportunism and why it should matter to Washington

By Evan Ellis / REvanEllis / December 31, 2018

A no-confidence vote in the parliament has triggered new elections, at a time—not coincidentally—that the country is grappling with how to manage its oil windfall. The U.S. can help.

Policymaking

The many messages of AMLO’s first address to the nation

By Victoria Gaytan / VickyGO / December 7, 2018

Unlike his victory speech, AMLO’s first address as President of Mexico was full of mixed messages, casting even more doubt over the country’s course for the next six years.