“An electoral whirlwind” –

AMÉRICA EDITORIAL (EFE).— In a year characterized by a global avalanche of electoral processes, Latin America is no stranger to this political turmoil. From this month of April until the end of July, the region will be immersed in an intense electoral marathon, with results that will have a significant impact on the Latin American political landscape.

“These elections will not only mark a crucial moment for democracy in the region, but will also determine the political and socioeconomic future of each country involved,” says Daniel Zovatto, global fellow at the Wilson Center.

In Ecuador, this electoral frenzy begins on April 21 with a popular consultation and a referendum, both focused on security issues. The results of these consultations will not only influence the presidency of Daniel Noboa, but could also define the direction of the country in terms of public policies and institutional reforms.

“Citizen participation in this democratic exercise will be essential to guarantee the legitimacy of the decisions made,” emphasizes Zovatto.

Panama

The elections in Panama on May 5 take place at a time of political, economic and social uncertainty. The disqualification of former president Ricardo Martinelli, who was leading in the polls, has left a void in the electoral race. However, candidate José Raúl Mulino seeks to capitalize on this situation and maintain the momentum of his campaign.

“Despite the legal challenges he faces, Mulino presents himself as a viable option to lead the country at a crucial moment in its history,” says the Wilson Center academic.

The electoral process in the Dominican Republic will take place on May 19 amid political tensions and growing polarization. President Luis Abinader seeks re-election to consolidate his leadership and continue the reforms initiated during his first term. However, the opposition presents a variety of candidates seeking to capitalize on popular discontent and present themselves as a viable alternative to the ruling party.

“This tense and competitive political scenario reflects the democratic challenges facing the country and the importance of informed and active citizen participation,” says the former regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA). ).

On June 2, Mexico will celebrate the largest electoral process in its history, with the renewal of 20,000 public positions, although attention is focused on the presidential elections.

But the elections in Mexico will be historic above all for another reason: there is the possibility of electing the country’s first female president. Claudia Sheinbaum, backed by the current president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, leads the polls with a wide advantage over her competitors.

Despite the current president’s great popularity, his management has been the subject of criticism in areas such as public security and human rights. Sheinbaum represents the continuity, with nuances, of López Obrador’s political project and his victory could further consolidate his leadership in the country.

For her part, the opposition Xóchitl Gálvez—a candidate supported by the coalition formed by the PRD, PRI and PAN parties—represents an alternative for those seeking a change in the political direction of the country. “Her candidacy faces challenges in unifying the opposition and presenting herself as a viable option for disaffected voters,” Zovatto believes.

Presidential

The presidential elections in Venezuela will be held on July 28 in a climate of political and humanitarian crisis. Despite international sanctions and criticism from numerous leaders, including some close ones such as the Brazilian Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the Colombian Gustavo Petro, President Nicolás Maduro “via the National Electoral Council has manipulated the process of registering candidates.” to divide the opposition and have ‘à la carte’ elections, choosing or blocking their competitors,” says Zovatto.

“The prospects for free and fair elections are bleak, and the international community must be attentive to any attempt at manipulation or fraud by the regime,” adds the doctor in International Law from the Complutense University of Madrid.

Decisive moment

The electoral whirlwind of the coming months represents a crucial moment for Latin America. Each country faces its own challenges and opportunities, and the results of these elections will have a significant impact on the political and socioeconomic shape of the region for years to come.

Citizen participation, electoral transparency and respect for democratic principles are essential to guarantee the legitimacy and stability of elected governments.

“In this sense, the international community has an important role to play in supporting free, fair and transparent electoral processes throughout Latin America,” concludes Daniel Zovatto.