Election Update and Independence

The presidential elections were held last Sunday, - and all went reasonably peacefully.
But that´s not the end of it. Nobody won more than 50% of the vote (not surprising given that there were 11 candidates!) which means that the 2 most popular candidates go through to a second round vote in November. From where I´m sitting there´s not much to choose from the 2. Otto Perez is an ex-army general with several human rights abuse accusations following him regarding his role in the 36 year civil war. He promises a hard line against crime. On the other hand, Manuel Baldizon, is a businessman and new to politics, but he also promises action against organised crime and the gangs, including introducing the death penalty. Both are now busy making alliances with the other candidates and parties in order to increase their support. But according to the popular wisdom, that won´t make any difference. In the last 20 years or so, every elected President in Guatemala, came second in the previous election. So this time, apparently it will go to Otto Perez, because 'it´s his turn' after coming second 4 years ago. We´ll wait and see.
This week, we´ve also had independence celebrations but compared to previous years, they´ve been fairly subdued. Many local authorities cancelled the usual marching band competitions and parades because they feared complications or increased violence because of the elections. On the other hand, there´s been plenty of 'antorchas' - groups of people running through the streets with an olympic style torch - which has worsened the usual traffic chaos!!! Exactly what independence is all about!