Guatemala court orders presidential ballot review, opposition cries foul

FILE PHOTO: A combination picture shows Presidential candidate for the National Unity of Hope (UNE) party Sandra Torres (L) speaking to the media at the computer centre following the first round of Guatemala's presidential election in Guatemala City, Guatemala, June 26, 2023, and Presidential candidate for the Semilla party Bernardo Arevalo (R) speaking with members of his party as he attends a press conference following the first round of Guatemala's presidential election in Guatemala City, Guatemala, June 25, 2023. REUTERS/Cristina Chiquin/File Photo

GUATEMALA CITY (Reuters) - Guatemala's top court on Saturday ordered ballots from the first-round presidential election to be reviewed after the front-runner's party and allies challenged the results, setting up the potential for a recount ahead of the runoff vote.

Former first lady Sandra Torres is set to face off in the decisive second round on Aug. 20 with anti-graft candidate Bernardo Arevalo, who bucked forecasts to become the runner-up as anger over years of corruption scandals dominated voter sentiment.