El Salvador’s presidential election on 3 February represents an opportunity for Nayib Bukele, of Gran Alianza por la Unidad Nacional (Gana), to end the dominance of the country’s traditional parties. Bukele has galvanised support through dissociating himself from the political establishment.
Guyana will face a general election by 21 March (subject to legal challenge). On 21 December 2018, the current coalition government lost a no-confidence vote in parliament by 33-32 votes after one member crossed the floor. Under the constitution, elections have to be held within 90 days. With the promise of vast wealth from new- found oil, the new regime could find itself in a strong position for the foreseeable future. In May, Panama will go to the polls in presidential, legislative, mayoral and local government elections. On 2 October last the local media released a survey on voting intentions which showed Laurentino Cortizo, a former agriculture minister (2004-2006) of the opposition Partido Revolucionario Democrático (PRD), as the current favourite, with between 39%-42% support. Whoever wins the presidential race, they will be under pressure from the start to demonstrate progress in tackling public corruption, a key voter concern. Guatemala will see elections in June for a new president, a new legislature, and 333 new mayors. Guatemala’s political class remains badly discredited due to the various corruption scandals to have emerged in recent years. Incumbent President Jimmy Morales won the 2015 election on the ticket of the Frente de Convergencia Nacional (FCN-Nación) on the back of his pledge “Not corrupt, not a thief”. But so far, Morales’ promises have rung hollow, and with no clear frontrunner the issue of corruption will continue a primary issue for prospective presidents.