Elections Archives - Americas Quarterly

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez and President Donald Trump in a meeting in New York on September 22, 2026.

Can Venezuela’s Push for Elections Succeed?

The country’s democratic transition depends on Washington’s willingness to set an electoral timetable, an expert writes.

Mexicans voted in the special election to select judges and magistrates in Mexico City on June 1, 2025.

A Red Flag in Mexico’s Democratic Backsliding

A new law could annul election results in cases of “foreign interference,” handing the ruling party a powerful tool.

Nicaraguans gather in front of the Organization of American States building in Washington, DC, during a protest against President Daniel Ortega in 2020.

Why a Shield for Democracy in the Americas is Under Strain

The OAS Democratic Charter remains a worthy bulwark against authoritarianism in the hemisphere.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro lead polling ahead of the October 4 first-round vote.

Brazil: Meet the Candidates 2026

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro will compete in the October 25 runoff.

How Will De La Espriella Govern? Previous Newcomers Offer Clues

History shows that newcomers often pursue a maximalist approach once elected. That can be dangerous—including to the leaders themselves.

Abelardo de la Espriella arrives to vote at a polling place in Barranquilla, Colombia, on June 21.

REACTION: De La Espriella Wins Colombia’s Election by Narrow Margin 

The right-wing lawyer is set to begin a four-year term on August 7.

Keiko Fujimori speaks to the press outside her home in Lima on June 11.

Keiko Fujimori’s Defining Choice in Peru

Will Peru’s likely president-elect seek revenge, or build a democratic legacy?

Peruvian presidential candidates Roberto Sánchez and Keiko Fujimori on June 7

REACTION: Peru Runoff Is Too Close to Call (Again)

Conservative Keiko Fujimori and leftist Roberto Sánchez are in a dead heat.

Chile's President José Antonio Kast at the inauguration of Costa Rica's President Laura Fernández on May 8

Kast’s Real Challenge Goes Beyond Security and Order

Chile’s president is facing declining approval and a series of questions about his capacity to lead the country.

Colombian presidential candidates Iván Cepeda and Abelardo De La Espriella

Colombia: Meet the Candidates 2026

The country is bracing for a polarizing runoff between right-wing firebrand Abelardo De La Espriella and leftist Iván Cepeda on June 21.

Peruvian presidential candidates Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez

Peru: Meet the Candidates 2026

Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez will compete in a polarizing runoff on June 7, with crime and protracted political instability top of mind for voters.

President-elect Laura Fernández celebrates her win on Feb 1 in San José, Costa Rica.

REACTION: Laura Fernández Wins Big in Costa Rica

The right-wing, tough-on-crime president-elect will have a legislative majority and promises “deep and irreversible” change.

Q&A: How Chile’s Democratic Institutions Hold Strong

Colombina Schaeffer, the director of Fundación Ciudadanía Inteligente, a regional NGO, explains Chile’s civic strength.

President-elect José Antonio Kast waves a Chilean flag during an election night rally in Santiago on Dec. 14, 2025.

REACTION: What José Antonio Kast’s Victory Means for Chile

The right-wing former legislator won the presidency with a commanding 58% in the December 14 runoff.

Costa Rica: Meet the Candidates 2026

Public security tops voters’ concerns ahead of the February 1 election.