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Worries on Graft, Violence After Giammattei Wins Guatemala

Associated Press

   After Alejandro Giammattei overwhelmingly won election as Guatemala's
   next president there was little celebration Monday amid questions about
   how he will tackle the corruption, violence and lack of opportunity
   that has driven tens of thousands to flee the Central American nation.
   Giammattei, who takes office Jan. 14 for a four-year term, received
   nearly 58% of the votes compared with 42% for former first lady Sandra
   Torres in Sunday's runoff. But more than half of eligible voters
   abstained, suggesting a fed-up electorate where many found neither
   candidate inspiring.

   "I think it is going to be the same as this government," said Guillermo
   Cacao, a businessman, referring to the outgoing administration of Jimmy
   Morales, who has been the subject of suspected graft allegations though
   he denies guilt and has been shielded from prosecution as sitting
   president.

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