Guatemala's presidential election on June 16 is expected to result in a second round run-off in August due to concerns over corruption, exclusion of a leading candidate, and the cost of living. Former first lady Sandra Torres is tipped to win the first round but is expected to fall short of the 50% plus one vote needed for an outright victory. The United States and the European Union criticized the exclusion of early front-runner, businessman Carlos Pineda, who called the decision “electoral fraud”. The election is seen as high stakes given deteriorating standards of transparency and human rights in recent years.

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