Latin America

Monday, September 7th 2015 - 09:25 UTC
Guatemala first results indicate a presidential run-off next October 25

A former television comic, a wealthy businessman and a former first lady were ahead in early returns in voting for Guatemala's next leader, days after the Central American nation's president resigned over a corruption scandal. With about 51% percent of polling stations reporting early Monday, TV comedian Jimmy Morales, who has never held elective office, was leading with 26.5% of the vote.
Saturday, September 5th 2015 - 06:55 UTC
Unpredictable Sunday: outraged Guatemala goes to the polls and is furious with its political system

Protesters railed on Friday against Guatemala's disgraced ex-president Otto Perez outside his court hearing on corruption allegations Friday, two days before elections that have been upended by his resignation and jailing.
Friday, September 4th 2015 - 10:30 UTC
Colombia says its electrical system is ready for the El Niño phenomena

As neighbors Chile and Peru along the Pacific coast of South America, Colombia announced its electrical system is prepared for the El Niño weather phenomena, which may lead to drought and low reserves at hydro-electric facilities, mines and energy minister Tomas Gonzalez said on Wednesday.
Friday, September 4th 2015 - 09:09 UTC
President’s resignation a step forward for democracy and rule of law in Guatemala says ITUC

The resignation of Guatemala’s President Otto Pérez Molina following the issuing of an arrest warrant against him for corruption is a positive step towards strengthening democracy and rule of law there, said the International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC.
Friday, September 4th 2015 - 08:47 UTC
Maldonado swears as new Guatemala president; predecessor in jail

Guatemala's Congress swore in former judge Alejandro Maldonado as president Thursday as his disgraced predecessor appeared in court over corruption allegations hours after resigning in the face of unprecedented protests.
Thursday, September 3rd 2015 - 10:17 UTC
Colombia was one vote short in OAS to address the border crisis with Venezuela

Colombia on Monday was one vote short at the Organization of American States to summon a meeting of foreign ministers over the ongoing border crisis with Venezuela. Bogotá had requested the high-level meeting up as the country is seeking international support for an ongoing diplomatic crisis with its socialist neighbor.
Thursday, September 3rd 2015 - 07:38 UTC
Guatemala Attorney General confident president Perez will be convicted for corruption

Guatemala's attorney general said on Wednesday she is confident embattled President Otto Perez will be convicted of corruption, as the country's top court rejected his challenge to prosecutors' moves to try him.
Wednesday, September 2nd 2015 - 06:16 UTC
Guatemala's congress strips president Otto Perez of immunity

Guatemala's Congress voted Tuesday to strip embattled President Otto Perez's immunity, clearing the way for him to be prosecuted over allegations he masterminded a multi-million-dollar corruption scheme.
Tuesday, September 1st 2015 - 23:52 UTC
Mexico announces postponement of deep-water oil exploration auction

Mexico, which has started to open its nationalized oil industry to additional private investment, will postpone auctions for deep-water oil exploration and production contracts and adjust the terms of upcoming tenders after an inaugural oil auction failed to meet the government's modest expectations.
Tuesday, September 1st 2015 - 06:17 UTC
Guatemalan president holds on: congress to vote this week on his removal

Guatemalan President Otto Perez said on Monday he is calm and confident he has done nothing wrong, as lawmakers debated stripping his immunity and forcing him to face prosecution on corruption charges.