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Guatemala Presidential Vote Appears Headed to Runoff


Presidential candidate Alejandro Giammattei of "VAMOS" political party talks to the media following the first round of presidential election, as he walks towards the official voting result center in Guatemala City, Guatemala, June 17, 2019.
Presidential candidate Alejandro Giammattei of "VAMOS" political party talks to the media following the first round of presidential election, as he walks towards the official voting result center in Guatemala City, Guatemala, June 17, 2019.

Guatemala appears to be heading to a second round of voting in its presidential election with early results showing no candidate likely to receive a majority of votes cast Sunday.

With slightly less than half the ballots counted Monday, former first lady Sandra Torres led all candidates with about 24 percent.

Four-time presidential candidate Alejandro Giammattei was in second place with about 15 percent of the vote, followed by journalist Edmond Mulet in third place with 12 percent.

Election officials said the large field of presidential candidates was making for a slow count, and that the final results should be known in about two weeks.

The second round of voting would take place August 11.

The eventual winner will succeed President Jimmy Morales, who is not allowed to run again because of term limits.

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