But, attitudes in that country are changing. Young persons - or millennials, as they are called are not educated under that odious "Belice es nuestro" mantra. They have a more progressive view of the world - and of their sovereign neighbor.
Interestingly, according to the Guatemalan Supreme Electoral Tribunal - which is like their elections and boundaries office, their sensitization campaigns for the referendum focused on the youth of Guatemala with much success.
We revisit last our interview earlier this month with the spokesperson for the Guatemalan STE:
Luis Gerardo Rarmirez Ortiz- Spokes Person, Supreme Electoral Tribunal
"Up to now we can say that it has been the referendum that has been more significant as it relates to participation of Guatemalans that has ever been registered."
"It must be mentioned that it is a topic of national interest. It is also a topic that was publicized and which stirred consciousness within the population. It must be mentioned that in Guatemala a large part of the Voter Registry is comprised of young people. So naturally to make them understand immerse them in the topic; this is a historical topic. And so, in the occasion of this national referendum it called the attention of this group, as well as other groups that form the majority in the Voter Registry."
Reporter
"By jurisdiction or electoral district, which had the majority of participation?"
Luis Gerardo Rarmirez Ortiz
"Naturally the City is what registers the majority. In the Voter Registry as well, it is, in this case, the center that holds the largest group of registered voters."
Reporter
"What percentage?"
Luis Gerardo Rarmirez Ortiz
"We are talking about more than 200 thousand votes registered in the Capital City."
Regrettably, there has been no publicly circulated breakdown of the results to show which age demographic made up that 26% that came out to vote in their referendum.
Email
Print