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September 8, 2015

Guatemala: Comedian Wins First Round of Presidential Elections 
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In Guatemala, a television comedian has won the first round of the
nation's presidential elections just days after Guatemala's President
Otto Pérez Molina resigned and was jailed on corruption charges.
Sunday's previously scheduled election went ahead despite calls for its
postponement. The comic actor Jimmy Morales received about 24 percent of
the vote, far short of the 50 percent needed for an outright victory.
Sandra Torres, the ex-wife of former President Álvaro Colom, and
conservative businessman Manuel Baldizón were virtually tied for second
place. A runoff has been set for October 25. We'll get more from Allan
Nairn in Guatemala later in the broadcast.

 

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