Nurturing Democracy: A Young Voters Journey in Guatemala Challenging Political Landscape
SARA SANCHEZ, GUATEMALA
As a 19-year-old about to participate in Guatemala’s upcoming elections, I find myself grappling with hope and discouragement regarding the historic fight for democracy in my country. While the coming of every election year brings a glimmer of hope, the cyclical outcome that all Guatemalans have grown accustomed to leaves me feeling deeply pessimistic about our future.
In the last presidential election, Guatemala faced a grim choice between two poorly qualified candidates. On the one hand, despite her publicity stunts, Sandra Torres did not disassociate herself from her ties to corruption. On the other hand, Alejandro Giammattei, whose mediocrity was destined to disappoint an entire country during his future government. This alignment reflects the deep contempt of voters for the prominent politicians of Guatemala that continue to dominate the election panorama four years later.
However, despite the discouraging situation, I must remind myself that change is always possible and that, as a young voter, I have the power to transform our dampened democracy. This is why I initiated my involvement in diverse endeavors, promoting youth participation and education during election periods. One of the critical ones encompasses a research project that identifies the necessities of young individuals nationwide to assist them in acquiring knowledge about the voting process, candidates, and proposed government agendas. Concurrently, it encourages them to advocate for political reform and demand the fulfillment of their rights.
While the road ahead may be challenging, I must remain steadfast in my commitment to democracy. Through collective efforts, Guatemala can strive for a society where the democratic process is strengthened, corruption is diminished, and the voices of all citizens are heard and valued.
