Latin America Politics 2023: Election, Conflicts, Other Major Issues in the Region

Latin America has been filled with plenty of major issues, especially ones revolving around politics and immigration, from a winning presidential candidate being harassed to a potential regional war to gangs taking over the majority of a Caribbean country's capital to another country's violent putdown of gangs.

What Happened in Latin American Politics in 2023?

A lot has happened in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2023. Here is a round-up of the things that happened during the last year:

Argentina: Elections, A New President, and Economic Turmoil

Argentina is in the midst of a political and economic crisis. Despite the high of winning the World Cup, the country is in dire straits and has chosen a radical far-right leader in Javier Millei. However, his recent moves have already raised eyebrows.

Brazil: Former President Barred From Holding Office

Meanwhile, as the US struggles to deal with the Donald Trump situation, Brazil has dealt with its wannabe dictator situation by disqualifying former President Jair Bolsonaro from holding office over his recent actions.

Peru Political Turmoil

Peru has deposed its president, and now its current president, Dina Boluarte, is also facing her own crisis as the political turmoil in what was once the land of the Inca Empire continues as the country repeatedly gets its presidents deposed.

Haiti Gang Violence

The UN has reported that Haiti gangs have taken over 80% of the capital. However, as BNN News noted, the UN is soon sending in an international peacekeeping force.

Guatemala Political Suppression

Meanwhile, in Guatemala, there is a political crisis as the current government is harassing the newly elected government and trying to stop him from taking office. This came as Bernardo Arevalo, an anti-corruption candidate, suddenly got second place in the country's primary election and went on to beat the establishment candidate in the runoff landslide. However, his win did not make many in the government happy, and he has since been bogged down by accusations and investigations.

Possible War Between Venezuela and Guyana

The UN High Court may have sided with Guyana, but Venezuela continues to claim the Essequibo Region, which makes up 2/3 of Guyana's land mass. This has led to massive tensions. Both countries have now sent troops to their respective borders but managed to talk with the help of their neighbors. However, tensions came back as both sides continued saber-rattling, with the US and UK expressing support for the much smaller and weaker Guyana.

Ecuador Has a New President Amid Violence

Ecuador used to be one of the most peaceful countries in Latin America, but with a criminal organization killing a candidate and a new president, Daniel Noboa, taking over, the country's peaceful status is now in question.

El Salvador Gang Crackdowns Intensify

El Salvador used to be ravaged by violent street gangs that included MS-13 and Barrio-18. However, President Nayib Bukele has since cracked down on them and has even made a massive prison complex for them. However, rights groups are crying foul as several people, especially from poorer areas, have been imprisoned for being mistaken as gang members and held without warrant or trial.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Bernardo Arévalo on Guatemala's "New Spring" - Americas Society/Council of the Americas