Guatemala Elections: Comedian Jimmy Morales Defeats Former First Lady, Elected President
Jimmy Morales, a former TV comedian with no government experience, has proven his bid for the Guatemalan presidency was no joke by winning the run-off election against ex-first lady Sandra Torres.
The 46-year-old entertainer turned politician earned over twice the votes that Torres received. The BBC reports Morales got 67.4 percent of the vote, while Torres took in 32.6 percent.
Despite his show business background, Morales billed himself as the common candidate, calling his success a "brave vote, a vote full of hope, a vote which wants to put an end to corruption."
Downplaying his political prowess, Morales said, "I don't have super powers nor magic and I've never said I do, but my heart swells with love for this nation and together we're going to fight for her."
The newly elected leader's comedy was typified by sketches in which he would often act like bumbling characters.
For many voters Morales may represent a welcome change to politics, which in Guatemala have been characterized by scandal. This year both the president and vice president resigned because of their connections to a customs scheme.
Opposing candidate Torres was gracious in her defeat. According to CNN, she said, "Guatemala has serious problems. But the people made their choice. We respect it, and we wish great success for Mr. Morales."
Morales has taken his victory as a sure sign to move ahead with some major changes to the nation, saying, "We have a great responsibility. ... This mandate that we are receiving is to fight against corruption."
A devout evangelical who has spoken out against abortion, same-sex marriage, as well as the legalization of drugs, Morales described his coming time in office as one of cooperation between the people and his policies.
"I have been asked if we have the capacity to govern, and we have been emphatic in saying that alone -- no -- but with the blessing of God, and the support of the people, we are sure that yes, we can," he said.
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