Posted on Sat, Nov. 08, 2003
GUATEMALA
Uneasy Guatemalans ready to cast ballots
Voters go to the polls Sunday amid fears that a former dictator's supporters will not accept his defeat.
BY MICHAEL A.W. OTTEY
mottey@herald.com
GUATEMALA CITY - It's down to the home stretch in the race for president of Guatemala, a nation still haunted by a 36-year civil war and military coups.
Guatemalans go to the polls Sunday after a campaign that saw 24 people shot dead and amid fears that a former dictator's supporters will not accept his defeat and of threats of disruptions from former pro-government militias.
Despite the concerns, thousands of Guatemalans took to the streets this week to support their candidates, beating on pots and pans and dancing atop caravans of cars and trucks rigged with balloons and posters of their favorites.
Of the 11 candidates, three are considered serious contenders to replace President Alfonso Portillo, who cannot seek reelection. They are former Guatemala City Mayor Oscar Berger, Alvaro Colom and former military dictator Efraín Ríos Montt. (snip/...)
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