Guatemalan presidential contender Sandra Torres voiced her staunch opposition to same-sex marriage, abortion, and LGBTQ+ rights. Speaking at a school, the former first lady took care to clarify that her stance did not equate to homophobia and emphasized her wish for the government to acknowledge life starting at conception and her intention to govern “with the fear of God.” Leading the National Unity of Hope party, which holds significant sway as the second-largest group in the unicameral legislature, Torres has been gradually aligning herself more with right-wing ideologies. Recent polls had shown her as a top presidential choice, having secured 16% of votes in the initial voting round on June 25th. Her current presidential campaign, marking her third attempt, has seen her partnering with a right-wing evangelical pastor as her vice president. She has strongly reiterated her commitment against legalizing abortion and has consistently opposed LGBTQ+ rights. Some political analysts believe Torres’ shift to the right could be a strategic move to garner support from the nation’s influential evangelical churches, thereby ensuring their continued alliance with the government. Although the National Unity of Hope party was once known for its social democratic leanings, it, like Torres, has veered towards the right.
