Guatemalans turn out to vote.

• Author: Montes, Javier
• Position: OAS - Brief Article

THE, OAS DEPLOYED more than 160 observers for the largely peaceful first round of Guatemala's presidential elections on November 9.

The few cases of violence "were not enough to tarnish the massive turnout of Guatemalans at the polls," said former Peruvian president Valentin Paniagua, who led the OAS electoral observation mission.

In the most serious incident, two women were trampled to death when voters tried to rush into a crowded voting station in the town of Chajul. In some areas where there were long waits or problems with incomplete or inaccurate voter lists, voters burned ballot boxes.

However, in comments to reporters a few days after the elections, Paniagua stressed that the voting was mostly peaceful and praised Guatemalan citizens for their determination to strengthen their democratic institutions.

"It is worth underscoring the commitment of the voters who went to the polls in massive numbers, in a clear demonstration of Guatemalans' commitment to democracy," Paniagua said, adding that rids attitude was especially...