Nobel Women's Initiative

An unprecedented number of women ran in the latest elections in Guatemala, which wrapped up on Sunday. The list of nine candidates for president included Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Mayan activist Rigoberta Menchú Tum.

"We are the voice of the thousands of silenced people, who have no room (in the system) and who only take orders," said Menchú Tum. She emphasized the fact that she is a woman, specifically an indigenous candidate, in a country that is “‘machista,’ racist and excludes people."

Results of the votes tallied last Monday revealed that former general Otto Pérez Molina - who human rights groups have accused of being directly involved in the systematic use of torture and acts of genocide in the 1980s - is in the lead after receiving 36 percent of ballots cast. Pérez Molina is set to face a run-off with the next leading contender former congressman Manuel Baldizon on November 6.

Experts warn that in spite of women's increased presence in politics, fundamental changes have still not taken place in women's way of life, and a gender perspective remains absent in Guatemalan democracy. Nevertheless, political analysts stress that Menchú’s candidacy transcends the results of these latest elections. Manfredo Marroquín, of the Central American Institute for Political Studies (INCEP) heralds her candidacy an important sign that the political system traditionally dominated by people of white descent is opening up.   

While speaking on the challenges of running for election Menchú Tum cautioned:

"Give us an equal chance, which we have not had in this election, because there are candidates who have mortgaged this country with organized crime, who have mortgaged this country with dirty money that we have seen in their multi-million (quetzals) campaigns, and this is not free for Guatemala. And so, with great energy, from here on, we can’t allow this. We can’t allow (to be) governed by the past or governed by criminal organizations or a corrupt government, because this is basically what we are facing."- Interview with Rigoberta Menchú Tum

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“Guatemalan Women Enter the Political Limelight Ahead of Sunday’s Elections,” Quarterly Americas, 8 September 2011.

“More Not Always Better for Women,” IPS, 9 September 2011.

“Guatemala Elections Today: Unprecedented Number of Women Running For Election,” All Voices, 11 September 2011.

“Former Military General Leads in Guatemalan Presidential Election,” Democracy Now, 12 September 2011.

“Guatemalan vote heads towards runoff,” AlJazeera, 12 September 2011.

“Retired general leads Guatemala vote, faces run-off,” Reuters, 12 September 2011.