No clear favorite as Guatemala votes for new president

A combination picture shows Guatemalan presidential candidates Zury Rios of the coalition of Valor and Unionista political parties, in Guatemala City, Guatemala April 16, 2023; Edmond Mulet of the CABAL party, in San Juan Sacatepequez, Guatemala June 18, 2023; and Sandra Torres of the National Unity of Hope (UNE) party, in Guatemala City, Guatemala May 27, 2023. REUTERS/Luis Echeverria/Cristina Chiquin/File Photo

GUATEMALA CITY (Reuters) - Guatemalans vote on Sunday in a hotly-contested presidential election dominated by concerns over corruption, the exclusion of a leading candidate and the cost of living which is expected to result in a second round run-off in August.

Former first lady Sandra Torres is tipped to win the first round but is expected to fall short of the 50% plus one vote needed for an outright victory in a contest the fairness of which has come under international scrutiny.