Guatemala's presidential run-off will be 'test for democracy'

Guatemalan veterans pray during a meeting with Presidential candidate Sandra Torres, of the National Unity of Hope (UNE) political party, ahead of the presidential run-off, in Guatemala City, Guatemala August 15, 2023. REUTERS/Cristina Chiquin

GUATEMALA CITY (Reuters) - A Guatemalan anti-corruption campaigner is heavily favored to snag the presidency in Sunday's run-off vote, suggesting the country could be heading towards a new era after years of democratic backsliding.

Bernardo Arevalo of the progressive center-left Semilla party, who surprised with a second-place finish in the first-round vote, had a strong lead in a recent opinion poll over his rival, former first lady Sandra Torres of the large, establishment center-left National Unity of Hope (UNE) party.