Welcome back to the Latin America Weekly newsletter! In this issue: Multiple elections ahead in November. What’s happening in El Salvador? And news of an earthquake in Mexico.
Latin America braced for electoral “Super November”
Economic crisis and political polarization have kept Latin America heated throughout the year, but 2021 is scheduled to end with a bang, with many key elections scheduled across the continent for the month of November.
Why it matters. The list includes a presidential vote in Chile, a regional race in Venezuela (which will mark the opposition’s return to the ballots), midterms in Argentina, and a rigged vote in Nicaragua.
Nov. 7: Nicaragua
Over the past few months, the Daniel Ortega regime has arrested multiple opposition leaders, including seven presidential candidates under allegations of conspiracy and treason. Last week, Nicaraguan authorities sent 35 opposition figures to trial — the president accuses them, without proof, of trying to carry out “terrorist attacks” similar to the April 2018 protests that demanded his ousting.
- Despite protestation from the international community — including sanctions against First Lady and Vice President Rosario Murillo — Mr. Ortega continues his witch hunt and will run for a fourth consecutive term.