This year’s Latin American elections kick off in January with what many in Haiti will be hoping is the end of a drawn out process which began in 2015, in the form of the poll for the final eight senate seats. The electoral process as a whole has been marked by allegations of fraud. While the prevailing attitude now is largely one of pragmatism – the runners-up in the presidential poll have chosen not to challenge the result – with the PHTK’s control of the senate in the balance there is scope yet for further upset.
February’s general elections in Ecuador will choose President Rafael Correa’s successor. While the ruling Alianza País (AP) is highly likely to retain power under Lenín Moreno, it will probably not have such a dominant position in the national assembly, and the incoming president will be faced with tackling a weakened economy and persistent corruption allegations.
The Bahamas must hold general elections by May, and given the turmoil at the top of the opposition FNM, the incumbent PLP looks increasingly likely to hold onto power. Despite predictions of weak economic growth, unless the opposition can rally behind a leader the PLP ought to be able to ride out the storm, especially if it can coordinate the release of further good news about the development of the Baha Mar megaresort.