With more than 98 percent of the ballots computed, a second electoral round in Guatemala is certain to choose who will be the next president of the Republic for the next 6 years, after no contestant has gathered 50 percent of the votes. votes plus 1.
The two candidates who managed to advance to the second round were the former first lady of the center right, Sandra Torres, with 15.78 percent of the computed votes exercised yesterday, Sunday, June 25, when the general elections were held.
The second to advance was a surprise for many, as he was not emerging as one of the favorites in terms of the Guatemalan voting intention. Thus, Bernardo Arevalo, from the leftist Movimiento Semilla party is placed with 11.80 percent of the votes computed.
According to the Preliminary Electoral Results, issued by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Guatemala, citizen participation in this Sunday's elections was 59.99 percent, who cast 5 million 499 thousand 963 valid votes.
The summary shows that, of the votes cast, 4 million 158 thousand 536 ‒75.61 percent‒ were valid, while 385 thousand 014 ‒7.0 percent‒ were blank, and 956 thousand 413 ‒17.38‒ were invalid.
In addition, they have specified that the count resulted in 63,408 invalid votes and 4,138 challenges.
It should be noted that the electoral authorities contemplate an abstentionism of 40 percent, where three million 667 thousand 394 of those registered to cast their votes did not.
However, civil and human rights organizations reported the problems that many had in accessing or being able to cast their vote peacefully.
The final fight begins
"We are going to win, against whoever," warned Sandra Torres Casanova, early Monday morning. The former first lady and who today heads the list for the second round of elections, scheduled for August 20, already knows the way; it is enough to remember that four years ago, in the 2019 elections, she succumbed in the second round to the current president, Alejandro Giammattei.
Previously, in 2015, Torres Casanova lost in the second round against comedian Jimmy Morales, president between 2016 and 2020.
Given this, Sandra Torres hopes that the third time will be the charm and manage to inhabit the famous Casa Crema.
The task will not be easy. Although he did not position himself as the second in line, yesterday's elections clearly showed that the leftist Bernardo Arévalo de León, known as "Uncle Bernie" and leader of the Semilla Movement, has gained great strength in the Central American country, using urban areas as his base of strength.
Some call him the anti-corruption deputy, and he has focused his campaign on the fight for justice and social awareness.
Arévalo de León is also no stranger to the country's highest office, as he is the son of Juan José Arévalo Bermejo, considered one of the best presidents in the history ‒1945-1951‒ of the Central American country.
The candidate is a deputy and head of the Semilla faction in Congress, where with only five parliamentarians they have sought to fight and oppose the ruling party.
"The phenomenon of clientelism and vote buying has spread throughout the country," said members of the Electoral Observatory, as part of a first report on the first round of the general elections in Guatemala, which will take place on June 25.
According to Mirador Electoral, in collaboration with the Prensa Comunitaria media network, elections are being held with no controls and no sanctions from electoral authorities, which creates an "environment of impunity, which is exploited by political parties."
As of 1:00 p.m. on Election Day, Mirador Electoral reported in a press conference that there were records of incidents in at least 12 municipalities located in 8 departments of Guatemala, in addition to "dozens of complaints," many of them filed with the public prosecutor's office and the Electoral Crimes Prosecutor's Office, an authority that had reported 117 complaints up to that point.
The main complaints, said Mirador Lectoral, are related to voter transport, a practice that is carried out most frequently in municipalities, where some candidates use "large amounts of money" to mobilize people from other localities.
The most serious case recorded by Mirador Electoral occurred in the municipality of San José del Golfo, in the department of Guatemala, where voting has not been carried out until 10:00 a.m. due to the dissatisfaction of the inhabitants of this town with the massive transport of people from other municipalities, presumably paid for this purpose.
Prensa Comunitaria and RUDA, in collaboration with Península 360 Press and Global Exchange, will continue to provide national and international coverage from Guatemala, as part of an effort by more than 15 community media outlets from Mexico, Bolivia, Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador and Honduras.
The team has also been deployed to 13 departments and 4 municipalities. An effort of more than 100 people who on this election day are carrying the data that comes out of this electoral day in its first round.
The citizens of that municipality have not been able to exercise their vote, after 130 members of the Vote Receiving Board resigned from their posts.
Voting in the municipality of San José del Golfo was suspended after a series of incidents occurred on Saturday night. The Departmental Electoral Board (JED) of Guatemala said that a group of people forced them to get off the buses in which they were traveling to a training session.
After they got off the buses, the members in charge of delivering and receiving the ballots were doused with gasoline and threatened with being set on fire.
The events have already been reported to the National Civil Police (PNC). However, due to the lack of Voting Reception Boards (JRV), the four voting centers installed in that municipality did not open their doors so that citizens could elect their authorities.
The Departmental Electoral Board of Guatemala and the Municipal Electoral Board (JEM) of San José del Golfo indicated that they are “working with all legal and security mechanisms at their disposal to continue with a legitimate, orderly and efficient process.”
They also reported that, with the support of the PNC, they coordinated the transfer of electoral supplies to the Nito Palencia Basic Education Institute, so that it can operate as a voting center in that town.
They try to dialogue
However, upon arriving at the site, a group of residents blocked the entrance to the premises. According to the electoral authorities, they are holding talks with the protesters so that the registered voters of the municipality can cast their vote "safely."
In fact, outside the aforementioned educational center, riot police fired tear gas bombs at the protesters. Members of the Guatemalan Army even showed up at the scene.
Police have already arrested at least one person for the incidents. Separately, residents of San José del Golfo reported that people who are not from the municipality arrived in the town and said they were "carried away."
Read the note in its original version by giving Click here.
Although Guatemalan migrants are citizens who have made an enormous effort to reach the United States and have the necessary means to survive and send help to their families in Guatemala, they have become the most forgotten by the State and by the candidates for the presidency of Guatemala.
This was stated by Dr. Úrsula Roldán, academic and migration specialist in an interview for Community Press in collaboration with Peninsula 360 Press and Global Exchange, where he stated that only five of the 23 parties running for president on June 25 have made statements on the subject of migration.
In the context of the general elections in Guatemala, the expert explained that the Semilla Movement consulted academics on policies to be implemented with the migrant population, while parties such as Winaq, URNG and MLP approached migrant organizations, especially those of the indigenous population, in the United States.
"They were among the few parties that participated in the Presidential Forum organized by migrant organizations in that country, and they continue to generate processes to organize the migrant population in the United States," Roldán said, acknowledging that these parties are recognized as left-wing, center-left or progressive.
"We know that the CABAL party was also present at this presidential forum, but no one else was present after that," he said.
The doctor acknowledged that migrants, in addition to contributing to the country's economy and being one of the main sources of GDP, must be reciprocated with clear policies, not only towards the exercise of their Guatemalan citizenship in the United States, but also to be able to provide them with everything they need, such as the necessary documentation to be able to regularize their status in the medium term and to be able to exercise other types of rights in the American Union.
Dr. Ursula Roldán, migration specialist, during the live broadcast of the elections in Guatemala by Prensa Comunitaria, Global Exchange and Península 360 Press.
"It is important, and they should have the same rights as any citizen of this country. The State owes a lot to the migrant population," he added.
The specialist explained that the institutions of the Guatemalan State are extremely weak and are tainted by co-optation and corruption, a situation that does not escape the Guatemalan institutions established in the United States.
In this regard, he recalled that more than a year ago, the Guatemalan consulate in the city of Los Angeles was denounced for charging undue fees for passports, while there are also various complaints regarding the DPI (Personal Identification Document), which is essential for migrants to have any type of possibility of regularizing their status in the United States and also for any management they have to do, even from afar, in their country of origin.
He also stressed that there was a lot of demand from migrant organizations to establish a census, which ultimately did not turn out as planned, a much more numerical one.
«We have around 90 or 91 thousand people registered, we know that there are 800 thousand who have documentation in the US, but we know that there are many more than that. The last census that they just took out on remittances speaks of more than 1 million 500 thousand or 1 million 800 thousand; so it is always a small number that the consulates manage to reach given the distances and the little funding for the consulates in that country, in addition to their poor permanent relationship with the migrant population,» he explained.
In this regard, he said that the exercise of citizenship has to be a permanent relationship, where the needs of the migrant are met, one of which is documentation, and different problems that occur abroad such as the death of a family member, illness or imprisonment for a traffic violation, among many others.
"This is a permanent exercise in which public institutions have not had the capacity to have a presence close to the migrant population in that country."
After the end of Title 42 in the United States, he said that "unfortunately there are positive aspects, which could be regularization from the country of origin, and family reunification, and possibly the increase in work visas, without having to go to the United States, and avoiding that very dangerous trip. But there are other negative aspects such as the management of asylum and refuge that can put at risk the lives, not only of Guatemalans, but of all Central Americans and other countries that will be passing through the region."
Furthermore, he said, Guatemala would not have the possibility of contributing to the management of processing centers. "We have already seen the consequences in Mexico, many families stranded at the borders, in the cities of Mexico itself, surviving, because the states do not commit to providing work, housing, food, and the issue of requesting asylum cannot be addressed in a third country."
Although there is a possibility of processing the request for refuge and asylum from a third country, he said, it should be in those countries that have clear agreements and where there is collaboration on issues of survival while the migrants carry out their process.
"It is a risk for the country if this is established in Guatemala, the immigration processing centers that will also be established in Colombia, and it is said in other Latin American countries. The possibility that they process quickly and promptly, and that they can satisfy their demands is really low and puts at risk the lives of migrants who are fleeing due to some well-founded fear."
He added that deportation will continue to be a reality and "our country - Guatemala - is not prepared for the integration of these people who are leaving precisely because they do not have the conditions for employment and decent living conditions."
He also explained that reality could become more complicated, "we could become a third border. The United States already established one with Mexico, and now Mexico is establishing it with us, with the risk that people will be stranded without the conditions for survival."
«I don't think they - the candidates - are paying attention to this. Migrants are the last political issue in this country, and there are two perspectives: on the one hand, there is pressure from the United States to contain immigration, deportation. But, on the other hand, many are interested in continuing to have immigration to avoid the social demand for basic needs.»
Dr. Roldán pointed out that remittances support the economy and consumption in Guatemala, which is why there is a double standard when it comes to working towards more appropriate immigration regularization.
"A country in these conditions will only follow what the United States dictates and what benefits them in terms of impunity, and that is not what is wanted. What is sought is for the country to have the possibility, together with other countries in Central America and Mexico, to have a high-level negotiation to achieve regional immigration regularization and a possibility of regularization in the United States."
Although both political parties - Republican and Democrat - in the US have the issue of migration on their agenda, the specialist pointed out that the only thing they put on the political debate is whether the measures are much more restrictive or not, when they should focus on promoting immigration regularization.
Finally, he explained that there is concern on the part of migrants in the United States to have a link with their communities of origin and to be able to collaborate with their well-being and development, which is why they seek associative forms to be able to make contributions. However, he said that the State imposes limitations and bureaucratic processes so that the aid does not reach the places directly, but rather through the federal government.
This, he said, becomes a problem because migrants do not believe in the State as an intermediary, "because it has been seen that they have left a large part of the aid they send in warehouses. The government puts a series of obstacles in place to get the material to the communities."
«There is much to do. I do believe in local organisation of origin and destination. I believe that there are leaders who want to contribute to the country from the migrant population, but that we need to create those more direct links, avoiding the State for a long time, until we have one as it should be to create institutionality that allows that link without manipulation of resources.»
Voting center in zone 1 in Guatemala City. Photo: Ingrid Sánchez P360P
The Guatemalan Electoral Observation Mission (MOE-Gt), a group of seven civil society organizations that contributes to the integrity of electoral processes through citizen participation, reported that the opening and operation of voting tables took place mostly in an efficient and peaceful manner.
According to MOE-Gt, 95 percent of the Voting Receiving Boards (JRV) opened on time and 96 percent had all essential electoral materials.
In a preliminary report, it was detailed that, in the first phase of the general elections, in 99 percent of the JRVs the observers were able to carry out their work without obstacles or impediments during the opening of the election day, while 95 percent of the JRVs had a security device.
They also pointed out that the JRVs were made up of more women (59 percent) than men (41 percent). In addition, the presidencies of the JRVs were occupied equally (51 percent women and 49 percent men).
Similarly, they recorded that 9 percent of the JRVs are made up exclusively of women and 2.5 percent of men, while in 99 percent of the JRVs there is the presence of at least one political party representative.
The EOM-GT said that so far, observers have not recorded any major incidents of intimidation, harassment or violence, only isolated cases of obstacles to initiating the observation process.
Among these, he said, were the acts of violence and threats against members of the boards of San José del Golfo, Guatemala, where the members resigned.
In light of this, they said it was imperative that the authorities make an early decision and effectively inform the authorities about the situation in the region.
Additionally, they urged security authorities to safeguard the physical integrity of the boards and citizens, as well as to carry out preventive actions throughout the day to ensure that at the time of vote counting, similar situations do not occur in other previously identified high-risk municipalities.
In addition, they urged the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) and the electoral bodies to promote openness and transparency in the voting centers and to report the scope of the observation, so that all accredited electoral observers can carry out their work throughout the election day and during the closing and counting of votes.
"We will continue to monitor the elections, updating the media and citizens on the findings of our electoral observation network. We will present a report in the afternoon and tomorrow we will make a general assessment of the elections," they said.
Finally, the organization recognized and thanked the commitment and enthusiasm of the citizens who make up the JRV and all the members of its observation team, while calling on the population to go to the voting centers and cast their vote.
For the current election day, the MOE-Gt said it had mobilized observers in 1,200 Voting Receiving Boards (JRV), a random and representative sample with presence in all departments, 277 municipalities of the country -81 percent- and in 5 cities in the United States.
This Sunday, June 25, general elections will be held in Guatemala, and 90,708 Guatemalans in the U.S. are eligible to vote, who can now cast their ballots in 15 cities across the United States.
The Superior Electoral Tribunal (TSE) of Guatemala stated on its Twitter account that citizens have already gone to vote in the centers of Miami, Queens, Raleigh, Trenton, Charlotte and Houston, among others.
Many of them will be able to vote for the first time from the cities where they live.
While more than 4,000 general offices will be voted for in the Central American country in these general elections, Guatemalans abroad will only be able to choose who will be the next president and vice president of their nation.
Polls in the United States will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time in each city. Voters can find more information on where and how to cast their ballot on the website https://migrante.tse.org.gt or by calling +(502) 2378-3900.
Who can vote?
It should be noted that only Guatemalans over 18 years of age and registered voters will be able to vote, and that they have requested their DPI (Personal Identification Document) at the consulates in the cities of Los Angeles, Silver Spring, New York, and Houston.
They must also have an updated residence or be registered through the website https://migrante.tse.org.gt or the “Vote for Guate” application.
Electoral authorities in Guatemala have recommended that those who go to vote this Sunday, June 25, respect the plurality of ideas, not promote a specific candidate, maintain order, and comply with the rules.
It is worth noting that the Guatemalan community in San Francisco will be able to vote for the first time in the presidential elections.
"For many of us it is a dream come true, because we have been fighting since the new constitution of 1985 was made. We have always wanted to exercise the right to vote and be elected, even though we no longer live in Guatemala, because the Constitution says so," said a Guatemalan citizen living in San Francisco to Univisión.
The City College of San Francisco will be one of the places where Guatemalans will be able to vote, in addition to the consulate that exists in the same city.
Guatemalans interviewed by the same television network said it is important for them to vote, since most of their family lives in Guatemala. "And if we can help elect a representative who can help the country to improve and help our families who are there, I would do it," said Eva Pérez, who works in a café and has only been living in San Francisco for a year.
Francisco López, another Guatemalan resident who was unable to register, called on all his fellow countrymen to vote.
"To all my fellow countrymen, if you are going to vote, do so with conscience, because the future depends on it," he said.
Since 7:00 a.m. Central Guatemala time, the general elections in Guatemala began, in which thousands of citizens with the right to vote have met at one of the 3,482 voting centers in the 340 municipalities of the country, because today is the key day in which, among other positions, they will elect their next president and vice president, who will govern for the next 6 years.
From the Don Bosco School in the capital city of the Central American country, the president of the Superior Electoral Tribunal (TSE), Irma Elizabeth Palencia Orellana, and the president of the Electoral Board of the Central District, José Francisco Murúa, together with other electoral officials and foreign observers, kicked off the electoral day on June 25.
In his speech, Palencia Orelllana called on Guatemalans to go to the polls, and then cut the symbolic ribbon that inaugurated the elections.
«The day has arrived. We have been planning this day for a long time and we have been working exhausting days so that you can come today with complete peace of mind from 7 in the morning when the voting centers are open. Come, citizens, you only have to bring your DPI - Personal Identification Document - and be registered, it does not matter if the DPI is expired or damaged. You can go and vote,» said the presiding judge.
Palencia Orellana stressed that going to the polls as a family is the best way to vote, as children will also be able to vote today in centres specially designed for them, in companies that sponsor the Children's Elections. In the evening, the presiding magistrate will be accompanied by some children to announce the results of these elections.
"Citizens, let us go out and vote. The date is for Guatemala to be the big winner and for us to define together the present and the future of the country. Democracy awaits us," he concluded.
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal announced earlier that it had reached an agreement with transport companies that cover routes in several municipalities in the department of Guatemala, to provide free transportation to citizens who will travel to the voting centers until they close.
The service is a civic contribution made by the transporters of Contrauvin RL and the Gremial of extra-urban and urban transport of Guatemala, which provide service in Villa Nueva and Villa Canales, as well as transporters who cover routes in San Pedro Ayampuc, Chuarrancho and Palencia.
The service will be provided from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There are more than 150 units that will cover both traditional routes and areas close to the voting centers. The units will be recognized by the identification they will carry with the election logo and the legend of free transportation.
A blue door with a lion-shaped knocker protects the home of Jiawei and Manuel, better known as Manny, who happily welcome us to talk with them about their multicultural love story.
Photo: Anna Lee Mraz P360P
Love knows no boundaries, and the coming together of different cultures in relationships is a testament to the diversity and richness of human connections. In the case of Jiawei and Manny, it is a testament to the intricate embroidery of cultural similarities and differences.
Jiawei Wang is the eldest son of a family from Baoji, China. His parents own a ship gear company, but Jiawei sought his own path and is now a kinesiologist trained at San Francisco State University.
While Manny Vargas, now Wang, born in Las Vegas to Mexican parents, is the middle brother of a total of five, and became a physician assistant for otolaryngologists.
The chemistry between the two is evident in the smiles they flash when they look into each other's eyes to answer the interview they kindly gave to Peninsula 360 Press. The physical attraction they feel for each other is evident: Jiawei is affectionate and shows his love by clinging to his partner.
China and Mexico, two countries with distinct histories, traditions and languages, provide a fascinating backdrop for this intercultural love story. The fusion of the two incorporates a multitude of customs, celebrations and family values, creating a unique and vibrant embroidery of experiences.
Photo: Anna Lee Mraz P360P
Manny has always been interested in Chinese culture, he explains. “In that respect, I really like to ask Gugo – as he affectionately calls Jiawei – about the particular celebrations of certain regions, or the food used at those festivals.”
They tell us that they now share traditions from both countries at home. During the Lunar New Year, for example, Jiawei brings home lanterns and signs with good wishes, with which they decorate their house together. She also takes care of buying the food.
The two countries have a rich culinary heritage. From the tantalizing flavors of Chinese cuisine, with its emphasis on regional specialties and delicate balance of ingredients, to the vast array of Mexican dishes, the Wang couple explore and appreciate the delicious fusion that emerges from the combination of these two culinary traditions.
It is in the kitchen where the Wangs strengthen their bond under the same roof. Cooking is an act of love, says Manny. Jiawei prepares dishes from her culture at home, which she gets from her mother, we are told, who is also a very good cook. Jiawei even bought a cookie-making kit and baked some for Manny as a daily sign of her affection. “He cooks very well,” Manny tells Peninsula 360 Press.
Photo: Omar Quezada P360P
For his part, Manny invites Jiawei to participate in Mexican traditions, where food plays a leading role. Jiawei enjoys the celebration on January 6, when the Three Wise Men arrive at night and the Rosca is shared with the family. He also likes to participate in the Candelaria, on February 2, because of the abundance of tamales that are served that night, as well as the Christmas dinner because of the cod that is prepared.
But not everything has been smooth sailing, as things have not been so simple for Jiawei and Manny as an intercultural gay couple.
Language is one place where certain differences have arisen. Although they use English as the primary vehicle of communication in their relationship, it is not the native language for either of them. Chinese, with its complex characters and tonal nature, contrasts with Spanish, which is a Romance language.
Specific characteristics of each culture have been both an advantage and a disadvantage for both. “Asian culture is very disciplined, while Mexican is more spontaneous,” Manny says. Although he admires Jiawei’s disciplined approach to life, he sometimes wishes there was more flexibility and good surprises. Despite this, they have managed to create a good rhythm in their daily lives.
Photo: Grettel Gagnon P360P
The challenges have not always arisen within the couple, but sometimes they have experienced pressure and tension from outside, specifically because of their sexual orientation and ethnicity. Both Chinese and Mexican cultures are quite closed to homosexuality.
Chinese culture has a deep history influenced by Confucianism, which prioritizes traditional family values and hierarchical relationships. Traditional Mexican society, influenced by Catholicism, still maintains conservative positions on homosexuality, considering it contrary to religious teachings and social norms.
This has led the Wang couple to live, in a way, isolated and hidden even from some relatives.
They chose the month of June to get married because it is known worldwide as pride month.
We traveled to Kona, Hawaii, to follow the story of this couple on their wedding anniversary trip. The purpose of this trip was to openly celebrate their recent marriage with family and friends, who accompanied them.
Photo: Omar Quezada P360P
One of the celebrations would take place at a Luau in Royal Hotel in KonaThe evening went by without any major incidents, they took photos as a couple and as a family, until it was time for the announcements by the master of ceremonies with the microphone and the song that would be dedicated to them for their love.
The couple was eagerly awaiting the public announcement of their marriage, but their names were never heard. This journalist approached the stage while the song was playing and, at one point, told the singer that he had forgotten to mention the couple, who had, of course, written down their names previously.
Photo: Omar Quezada P360P
“Mrs. and Mrs. Wang just got married,” I said. I saw the confusion on his face. “Mr. and Mrs. Wang?” he asked. “No,” I clarified, “Mr. and Mr. Wang.” He didn’t understand.
“Mrs. and Mrs. Wang?” he asked again. “No.” I raised my voice, “It’s Mr. and Mrs. Wang, two men who just got married.” The emcee hesitated, took the microphone and awkwardly announced, “Mr. and Mrs. Wang are celebrating their anniversary.”
Photo: Anna Lee Mraz P360P
This is just one example of how gay couples suffer invisibility due to discrimination against their community, as society marginalizes and suppresses these relationships and identities.
It occurs when couples' experiences, challenges, and contributions are overlooked, disregarded or intentionally ignored, often due to heteronormative assumptions or prejudices. Invisibilizing is a form of discrimination..
During the Wang couple's trip, unfortunately, the experience at the Luau was not the only one where we could observe obvious discrimination, both homophobic and racist, towards the couple.
The couple, accompanied by family and friends, visited the town of Hilo where the delicious restaurant Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine opened its doors to us and accommodated 25 people at three tables.
Photo: Omar Quezada P360P
Between piña colada cocktails, margaritas and mojitos, the matriarch of the congregation announced a toast to the newlyweds, Jiawei and Manny, who briefly stood up to the applause and jubilation of their companions and the surrounding tables.
However, the news was not well received by other diners, who, instead of applauding and joining in the celebration, whispered amongst themselves with looks of disgust, hatred or perhaps fear. Luckily, the violent attitude did not escalate and remained in a silence overshadowed by the noise of the three tables of cheerleaders accompanying the bride and groom.
When asked what they felt about what happened, they suggested that there was a kind of double discrimination. It is difficult to know if those glances were due to the union of someone whose features clearly refer to someone Asian with someone dark-skinned and Mexican; or if it was due to the celebration of the marriage between two men.
In general, LGBTQ+ people, not only in Chinese and Mexican cultures, but across the board, are experiencing greater acceptance and inclusion. But it is a constant and ongoing struggle, as there are still challenges to overcome and work to be done.
This inspiring couple embraces and celebrates their cultural differences and similarities through their relationship. They share their customs and traditions of Chinese and Mexican origin, creating a beautiful blend that reflects their love and shared experiences. They learn from each other, able to grow together in a unique and meaningful way.
Photo: Anna Lee Mraz P360P
The increasing visibility and activism within these cultures indicates a greater understanding of the importance of embracing diversity and advocating for equal rights, regardless of a person's sexual orientation or background.
This intercultural couple hasn't had it easy. Their story challenges stereotypes, fosters personal growth and cultural enrichment.
Facing the tide of discrimination with love is more than admirable, as it acts as a symbol of love and acceptance in an increasingly interconnected world; it promotes understanding, contributes to a more just and equitable society, and takes a step towards a multicultural and inclusive future.
Photo: P360P
This publication was supported in whole or part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.
Guatemala in elections less than 15 hours after they take place, 9 million 361 thousand 068 Guatemalans will be able to go to the polls to elect the representatives of the more than four thousand public offices that are disputed this 2023.
Thus, tomorrow, June 25, the day of the general elections, Guatemalans registered will receive five ballots of different colors to vote for the political organizations that nominate candidates for the more than four thousand elected positions.
The members of the Voting Boards will give citizens five folded ballots, which contain the symbols of the political parties that nominate candidates for the Presidency of the Republic, for deputies to the Congress of the Republic and for the Central American Parliament - Parlacen.
In the case of municipal corporations, you will also find the symbols of the civic committees that presented candidates in the municipalities.
The ballots have colors: white, green, light blue, pink and yellow.
The white ballot is used to vote for president and vice president; the green ballot is used to elect the 32 deputies to the Congress of the Republic who are running on the National List.
In the case of the pink ballot, the 340 municipal corporations are elected. According to Decree 1-2023 of the General Call for Elections 2023, a mayor, three trustees, ten titular councilors, one alternate trustee and four alternate councilors are elected in municipalities with more than one hundred thousand inhabitants.
While the yellow ballot is used to vote for the election of 20 deputies to Parlacen.
The blue ballot is used to elect 128 deputies to the Congress of the Republic for the 23 electoral districts, that is, for each department of the country plus the central district that corresponds to the municipality of Guatemala.
They are divided as follows:
Central District (municipality of Guatemala): 11 deputies; District of Guatemala (remaining municipalities of the department): 19 deputies; Sacatepéquez: 3 deputies; Chimaltenango: 5 deputies; El Progreso: 2 deputies; Escuintla: 6 deputies; Santa Rosa: 3 deputies; Suchitepéquez: 5 deputies; Chiquimula: 3 deputies and Izabal: 3 deputies.
According to the Plenary Session of Magistrates of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal ‒TSE‒, the actions for the general elections of June 25 are ready. He also explained that the Departmental and Municipal Electoral Boards and the Voting Reception Boards were trained, and that 95 percent of their members are participating for the first time to contribute to this event.
He pointed out that these elections guarantee inclusion in every sense, after more than 40 people with disabilities work in the Electoral Process Operations Center and 375 thousand ballots have been produced in Braille, in addition to the fact that preferential attention will be given at the voting centers.
Summer is here, the weather is more relaxed, light showers or fog appear, but it is still a vacation and it is perfect to go out and see new places or attend events that are taking place throughout the Bay Area. Don't forget to use sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent.
But before you head out, check out the local news from June 17-23 to stay up to date.
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The Consulate General of Mexico in San Francisco, California, reported that, regarding the shooting in the Mission district that occurred last Friday, June 9 on 24th Street and based on follow-up with local authorities as part of consular protection protocols, one Mexican person was identified among the eight injured people.
In a statement, Mexican authorities reported that consular staff contacted the affected person, as well as his family, to provide him with the corresponding assistance and legal support in light of the incident.
The Consulate also stressed that, in order to verify the proper application of justice, it will continue to monitor the case and will request the relevant authorities to investigate the events that occurred.
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Two men have been arrested in connection with the theft of construction equipment and copper wire worth approximately $50,000 in Redwood City, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office said Friday.
The robbery, which apparently occurred over the weekend, was discovered around 7:30 a.m. Monday in the 700 block of Industrial Road in San Carlos, the sheriff's department said.
Cauich and Jimenez, the defendants in the crimes, were charged with commercial robbery, possession of stolen property and conspiracy to commit a felony, authorities added.
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City police seized a firearm from a man in mental crisis in Redwood City on Wednesday, June 14.
Police said a check of previous calls to the residence revealed that a 30-year-old man with a history of mental illness lives there.
Responding officers met with the resident's brother and confirmed the man was experiencing a crisis, was armed with a handgun and had made criminal threats to harm his brother, police said.
The man was taken to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation and the case is under review for criminal threats.
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Bay Area could get $1 trillion to boost equity, largely discretionary from the American Bailout Act, were not yet committed to Bay Area projects in December, according to the Area Equity Atlas de la Bahía, a tool for tracking racial and economic equity in the region.
The unobligated funds provide city and county leaders with the opportunity to make the region a more equitable place to live over the next three and a half years.
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The San Mateo City Council has appointed Alex Khojikian to serve as city manager, according to an announcement issued this week by city officials.
Khojikian, who currently serves as deputy city manager in Redwood City, was selected after a nationwide search and will begin his new role on August 21.
Khojikian said in the announcement that he is excited to get started.
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Deputies arrested a man in San Mateo County on June 16 after he attacked a person, hitting them in the head with a pickaxe.
Garcia was reported to have fled the area on foot after the attack. Officers conducted an extensive search and located the attacker hiding in the 500 block of Skyway Road.
Garcia was placed under arrest on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, probation violation, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of controlled substances, and booked into the San Mateo County Jail without incident.
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On Monday, President Joseph Biden announced a $600 million investment for climate resilience projects across the country and an additional $67 million to help build power lines to support California’s transition to 100 percent clean electricity by 2045.
During his visit to Baylands Nature Preserve, one of the largest expanses of pristine wetlands remaining in San Francisco Bay, the president stressed the need to accelerate projects to combat climate change.
Biden also stressed that later this year, the first White House summit will be held that will bring together local, state, tribal and territorial leaders focused on climate change resilience.
This, he said, will include a roadmap for how the various climate actions being taken will build more climate-resilient communities across the United States, saving lives and homes and providing peace of mind.
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After the unfortunate and constant shootings in schools throughout the country, four students from schools in South Bahia created a device to prevent shootings called SIREN, which detects shots in the study center, sending a quick alert so that authorities respond more quickly in an emergency.
Much like a smoke detector, SIREN is a 3-by-6-inch device that sits on the ceiling, so for many it may be unnoticeable. When gunshots are detected, a text message is sent to students and staff with the location, depending on which sensor is activated on campus.
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After the unfortunate and constant shootings in schools throughout the country, four students from schools in South Bahia created a device to prevent shootings called SIREN, which detects shots in the study center, sending a quick alert so that authorities respond more quickly in an emergency.
Much like a smoke detector, SIREN is a 3-by-6-inch device that sits on the ceiling, so for many it may be unnoticeable. When gunshots are detected, a text message is sent to students and staff with the location, depending on which sensor is activated on campus.
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The San Mateo Police Department has asked the community for their help in identifying suspects in racketeering at retail stores, where they have illegally stolen thousands of dollars worth of merchandise.
On Friday, June 16th, at approximately 6:00 p.m., officers with the San Mateo Police Department were called to three different retail stores in San Mateo, resulting in the loss of thousands of dollars.
The locations involved include Old Navy, Victoria Secret, and Ulta. Local authorities continue to investigate this organized retail theft case and are attempting to identify the suspects in the photo, so anyone with information regarding this is urged to contact police immediately.
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Police are searching for a suspect in an armed robbery in Redwood City. After a series of robberies in the city, authorities have asked the community for help in finding the person responsible.
According to the Redwood City Police Department (RCPD), the armed robberies occurred at two different small businesses in the area of El Camino Real and Chestnut Street, while the second was in the 900 block of Whipple Avenue.
Both robberies took place between October 6, 2022, and November 18 of that same year.
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After years of planning, the construction of the affordable housing project in North Fair Oaks known as Middlefield Junction has finally started, which seeks to help people in vulnerable situations to have a home.
Located at 2700 Middlefield Road on a vacant county-owned parcel behind the county’s Fair Oaks Health Center, the project consists of new one- to three-bedroom apartments, a child care center and community open space.
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On the occasion of celebrating the pride of Mexico's sexual diversity around the world, the Institute for Mexicans Abroad of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Consulate General of Mexico in San Francisco will hold the Third Meeting of Mexican LGBTQ+ Communities Abroad on June 23, 24, and 25.
Activists, specialists and academics will participate in the meeting and will address various issues related to the citizenship of Mexican LGBTQ+ people abroad.
