Guatemala held a decisive presidential runoff in which Bernardo Arévalo, the leading candidate from the center-left Seed movement, secured a solid victory. Official results show he achieved about 59 percent of the ballots after the vast majority of the vote counting was completed, confirming his win in the second round. The final tally exceeded 2.38 million votes for Arévalo, while his rival, Sandra Torres of the centrists, gathered more than 1.46 million votes, accounting for roughly 36 percent of the vote. Voter turnout stood around 45 percent, with the number of registered voters surpassing 9 million.
Arévalo has outlined a campaign program focused on tackling organized crime and corruption. His plan includes strengthening public security by expanding the police presence, investing in infrastructure projects such as thousands of kilometers of roads, and reforming the penal code to impose stricter penalties for corruption. He also proposed creating a national anti-corruption framework and establishing a new representation pathway in Congress for Guatemalans living abroad.
Election observers reported a handful of irregularities during the voting process, yet these issues did not appear to influence the overall outcome. A formal investigation into prior threats against an observer organization member was initiated by the presidency at the time. An incident at a polling station occurred nearby during the final hours of voting, resulting in detentions but no injuries.
The presidential term lasts four years, and sitting presidents cannot seek reelection. A candidate who wins an absolute majority is declared the winner and is sworn in on January 14 of the year following the election.
The election’s context drew international attention, highlighting ongoing debates about governance, democracy, and the path to political stability in Guatemala. The focus will soon shift to Arévalo’s transition plans, the practical steps to implement reform, and how the new administration will interact with civil institutions to pursue its stated goals.
Observers and analysts emphasize the importance of institutional checks and balances, transparent governance, and continuous public engagement as Guatemala moves forward from this electoral milestone.