Comedian Jimmy Morales Leads Guatemalan Election

07.09.2015 [20:32]
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Baku, September 7, AZERTAC

Jimmy Morales, a comic actor who once played a blundering cowboy who accidentally became president, appeared on his way to a surprise victory in the first round of Guatemala`s presidential election on Sunday, but didn`t secure enough votes to avoid an October runoff.

With 72% of ballots counted, Mr. Morales led with nearly 27% of the vote. Manuel Baldizon, a right-wing businessman and former lawmaker, was in second place with 18%.Sandra Torres, a center-left former first lady, was close behind with 17%.

Because no one topped 50% of the vote, the top two finishers will face off on Oct. 25.

The regularly scheduled election came just days after President Otto Perez Molinaresigned and was jailed in connection with a customs fraud scandal, plunging the country into political crisis. Vice President Alejandro Maldonado was sworn in until the winner of the runoff takes office in January.

Comedian Jimmy Morales Leads Guatemalan Election

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