Economist Podcasts Latin lessons: two contrasting elections
Aug 21, 2023
Su Lin Wong, a Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist known for her coverage of innovative food trends, joins the discussion on critical elections in Ecuador and Guatemala. She highlights Ecuador's turbulent political climate marked by violence, including the assassination of a candidate, contrasting with Guatemala's hopeful mood after a victorious outsider. The conversation shifts to an intriguing medical topic—the resurgence of leprosy in America—and Singapore's pioneering advancements in alternative proteins, showcasing its leadership in lab-grown food innovation.
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Contrasting Elections
- Two Latin American countries, Ecuador and Guatemala, held pivotal elections, both facing similar challenges like violence and corruption.
- Despite shared concerns, the electoral outcomes differed significantly, revealing divergent political moments in the region.
Guatemala's Outsider Win
- In Guatemala, Bernardo Arevalo, considered an outsider candidate, won the presidency with 58% of the vote.
- His platform focused on tackling corruption, and his victory sparked widespread celebrations.
Ecuador's Runoff
- Ecuador's election, marked by the assassination of anti-corruption candidate Fernando Villavicencio, will head to a runoff.
- The contenders are Luisa Gonzalez, associated with a former president facing corruption charges, and Daniel Noboa, a businessman.