Elections Dashboard
Prospectiva’s Election Dashboard is a key source of analysis for political developments in Latin American elections. In it, we bring together relevant information about voting systems, candidates and polling in real-time, providing our own analysis to aid in the understanding of elections in the region. The dashboard collects all pertinent information into one platform, delivering thorough insights found nowhere else.
This is just a sample of all the services Prospectiva provides. We offer tailor-made services, analyzing political risk in Latin America for a wide a range of companies and industries. Companies should be constantly aware of elections, as government transitions often shake up the status quo and could provide fruitful opportunities for risk mitigation and high level engagement.
Information will be provided closer to the election date.
Information will be provided closer to the election date.
Information will be provided closer to the election date.
The Chilean presidential election arrives with a backdrop of significant political change in Chile. After two nonconsecutive terms in office, Michelle Bachelet's tenure can be characterized by a series of significant reforms, an expansion of social programs, the development of decentralization policies, and integrating the country in the Pacific Alliance. Bachelet has also promised to develop a new constitution by the end of her term, replacing the Constitution of 1980. However, Bachelet also struggled to maintain growth levels, facing an economic slowdown during her second term (2014-2018). She has also struggled with the continuous decline of approval ratings, which can be attributed to a stalling reform program, a series of high profile scandals, and a slowdown in economic growth. While during her first term Bachelet maintained high approval ratings, her second term proved more difficult, averaging a 19.5% approval rate in 2016.
Within this political context, Chileans have distanced themselves from the Bachelet administration, increasingly identifying themselves with an opposition. For the presidential elections, three candidates have won the primaries: former President Sebastian Piñera (PRN), Beatriz Sanchez (Independent), and Alejandro Guillier (Independent). Piñera, who served as President from 2010-2014, is running under the center-right Chile Vamos alliance. Sanchez, a journalist who has never held public office, is running under the Broad Front alliance and has gathered support from leftist parties. The last candidate, Alejandro Guillier, an independent Senator with a background in journalism who is well known for his appearances on radio and television, has consolidated an alliance within the New Majority, a center-left party alliance.
Update 1: September 13, 2017
While it is still early on, polls indicate that the chances for a run-off vote in December are likely. No candidate has the necessary 50% to claim the presidency in the November elections. Although Piñera has a large lead, the center-left and left parties supporting Sanchéz and Guillier are likely to join forces against the former president in a possible run-off, making its result unpredictable. In such scenario, the candidacy of Carolina Goic - and the recipient of her support in the second round - has become increasingly relevant.
The latest Adimark poll confirms Goic's growth, reaching 5% of voter's intent to vote for her. Goic is president of the traditional centrist Christian Democratic Party (PDC), which had been part of the ruling New Majority coalition (previously named Concertation) since its founding in 1988. However, after divergences and in the imminence of losing the coalitions's primaries, the PDC decided to leave the New Majority and launch Goic on its own. Despite her recent growth in the polls, she is unlikely to manage her way into the run-off; still, amidst the strain of withdrawing from the New Majority, Goic has not committed to supporting Guillier.
Click on the candidate for detailed information
Center-Left
Guiller is an experienced politician who has served as a Senator for the Antofagasta region since 2014. Guiller is a journalist with a background in sociology, academia, and journalism. He has broad experience with media, working as a reporter and news anchor for multiple channels in Chile.
Campaign promise
Under the Concertacion and New Majority alliance, Guillier's main campaign promise focuses around decentralization, the development of a new constitution. He has also focused on infrastructure, specifically transportation in the metropolitan areas. Guillier has also proposed a Strategy of Digital Transformation, a strategy focusing on connectivity, a digital economy, and the development of the country's digital capabilities.
Business friendliness
In regards to the private sector, Guillier promotes the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs, or Pymes in Spanish). Within this context, he has also stated an interest in reforming the labor code, in a three party dialogue between the government, the private sector, and labor representatives.
Foreign affairs and trade policy
Guillier is a supporter of liberal foreign policy, and has expressed interest in continuing work within the Pacific Alliance and Mercosur.
Social welfare programs
Guillier is likely to maintain social programs, while also increasing the scope of active programs such moving towards a universal health system, creating a system of public pharmacies, and reforming the country's pension system.
Macroeconomic policy
Guillier has expressed his intent to exempt middle class Chileans of the VAT on homes. While it is likely that he focus on fiscal reforms, it is unlikely that he impose heterodox economic policies in office should he be elected.
Left
Sanchez is a newcomer to Chilean politics. She has a background in journalism and participates on television programs, Hora 20 and Combinacion Clave. While she lacks political experience and has never held public office, she is well known for her outspoken nature.
Campaign promise
Sanchez strong suit lies in social issues, including women's health, gender and economic inequality. She has yet to establish a series of economic, infrastructure, or foreign affairs proposals.
Business friendliness
Sanchez has expressed her intent to expand the capacity of collective bargaining and to incorporate collective bargaining agreements or by sector of production. Sánchez has also called for the strengthening of the Chilean Unitary Workers' Union (CUT).
Foreign affairs and trade policy
Information will be provided as Sanchez's campaign develops.
Social welfare programs
Sanchez is likely for the expansion and development of social welfare programs in Chile, as her focus on social issues is greater than macroeconomic or foreign affairs policies. Her economic advisor, Claudia Sanhueza, has expressed intent to reform the existing pension system, following the Uruguayan and Austrian models.
Macroeconomic policy
Sanchez's economic policy advisor is Claudia Sanhueza, has indicated that Sanchez's policies will include raising taxes and rules out austerity measures on public spending.
Center
Carolina Goic is a known figure in Chilean politics. She was a National Deputy from 2006 to 2014 and thereafter elected Senator, and she has been president of the traditional centrist Christian Democratic Party since 2016. As a Deputy, she chaired the Health Committe and was of foremost importance to the draft of the Ricarte Soto Law, which ensures financial protection to people with rare diseases.
Campaign promise
Her campaign's agenda has focused primarily on social security and health issues, especially for the elderly and disabled, but also regarding a general expansion of the public health system. Although she opposes a new constitution, she has proposed a comprehensive state reform, furthering decentralization towards regional governments and promoting accountability and a performance-oriented management within the public sector.
Business friendliness
Goic has been deemed Chile's business community's favourite candidate. Although Piñera's policies are more business-friendly, his presidency was marked by uncertainty, social unrest and little governability; likewise, Guillier is considered unreliable. Goic's moderate position and reforms are well regarded by the business class, and her centrist position could bring about much desired political stability to the country.
Foreign affairs and trade policy
Goic has expressed comittement to further regional integration and trade liberalization within her foreign policy agenda, indicating her support for the strengthening of the Pacific Alliance. She has also been a fierce critic of the Maduro government in Venezuela, demanding a more severe position from the Bachelet government.
Social welfare programs
Goic is likely to increase the coverage and scope of the public health system, granting treatment gratuity for a larger array of diseases. She has also supported extending superior education gratuity for the most vulnerable. Yet, she has indicated her inclination for further paticipation of the private sector in the provision of public services and the management of public infrastructure, such as hospitals.
Macroeconomic policy
Goic has committed to maintaning orthodox economic agenda, keeping strict control over public finances in order to attract foreign invesments.
Center-Right
Piñera served as Chile's first conservative president since the end of military rule in 1990. During his tenure, Piñera struggled with approval ratings, due to a series of political gaffes and ill managed emergencies, despite positive growth rates and lowered unemployment rates. However, the even lower approval of Bachelet and the center-left alliances has benefited Piñera's run.
Campaign promise
Piñera's campaign is well structured and focuses on a series of topics including education, health, pension, increase in infrastructure, and security. However, his main promise lies in economic growth and decreasing the unemployment rate, which currently stands at 7%. His flagship program, Chile Invierte 2026 (Chile Invests 2026), a serious infrastructure program, with a focus on public-private partnerships.
Business friendliness
Piñera has a high level of business friendliness. His flagship program, Chile Invierte 2026 (Chile Invests 2026) focuses on public-private partnerships.
Foreign affairs and trade policy
Piñera follows a liberal ideology within foreign affairs. He is likely to continue Chile's status quo in regards to foreign affairs.
Social welfare programs
Piñera's previous experience in La Mondeda indicates that while he will likely maintain current social welfare programs, he may attempt to decentralize or promote the privatization of certain government programs. Piñera attempted to privatize certain aspects of the education system of Chile during his administration, which led to a series of protests.
Macroeconomic policy
Piñera is likely to maintain orthodox economic policies, which are in line with his center-right views.
![]() |
Extreme left | Hard left | Center left | Center | Center right | Hard right | Extreme right |
Information will be provided closer to the election date.
The Costa Rican presidential election comes with a backdrop of significant structural and political change for the country. After winning the 2013 election, with much surprise from the political establishment, President Guillermo Solís has suffered from low approval ratings and even lower governability in the Legislative. While he has completed significant reforms, he has yet to implement a much-needed fiscal reform that includes increasing taxes and decreasing government spending. The country is also in the process of becoming a full member of the Organization for Cooperation and Economic Development (OCED), which must complete a full country policy review in order to advance with the accession process. The organization has outlined the dire fiscal situation the country finds itself in, but little action has been taken due to the low governability Solís suffers from. This will leave his successor to deal with an issue that is highly unpopular.
The candidates for the election are Carlos Alvarado (PAC), Alvaro Alvarez Desanti (PLN), Rodolfo Hernandez (PRSC), Rodolfo Piza (PUSC), Juan Diego Castro (PIN), and Otto Guevara Guth (ML). In this context, it is important to keep in mind that a majority of Costa Ricans do not identify with one specific party. In fact, in a survey completed in March 2017, 76% of Costa Ricans do not align themselves to any specific party. With this in mind, candidates will likely focus on campaign outreach to undecided voters and those without a political affiliation.
Update 1: September 1, 2017
Current polls show Alvarez in the lead, but fails to secure the 40% needed to win the election without going to a runoff in April. Piza, who stands as the second possible runoff candidate has come under fire for a mobile election application developed by his campaign that may be violating voting laws. Juan Diego Castro (PIN) has ramped up his social media campaign, attacking Alvarez through Twitter and Facebook. PAC candidate Carlos Alvarado has struggled to gain support, as a series of scandals of the Solís administration continue to divide the party internally and hurt people's perception of the PAC in general.
Click on the candidate for detailed information
Center- Antonio Alvarez is part of the PLN's political establishment. He has been involved in national politics since the 1980s and is considered a political heavyweight with significant political savvy. Alvarez has run for office in 2001, 2004, and again in 2014, but failed to win the party's primary elections. In terms of ideology, Alvarez falls within the PLN's centrist candidates of the party is a pragmatist. Alvarez has served as the Ministry of Government, Minister of Agriculture, and former president of the National Council of Production. Most recently he served as president of the National Assembly and successfully coordinated the opposition against several Solís administration measures.
Campaign promise
Alvarez's main campaign promise lies in "untangling" Costa Rica. By this he means reducing the amount of bureaucratic processes that currently exist.
Business friendliness
Alvarez's experience in the public and private sector provides insight to his private sector policies. His continuous visits to business associations and private sector chambers indicate that Alvarez is likely to have a high level of openness to the private sector and policies that benefit the private sector.
Foreign affairs and trade policy
In regards to foreign affairs, Alvarez is likely to maintain Costa Rica's current free trade agenda, but may shift the diplomatic policies in cases where the Solís administration has faltered. Alvarez has been a strong attacker of the Maduro regime, a case in which the Solís administration offered support until recently. Additionally, within the foreign affairs policies, he brings in his main theme of debureacratization, such as the implementation of a single window policy.
Social welfare programs
In terms of social welfare, he plans to modernize the Costa Rican Social Service Fund (CCSS) by implementing technological solutions to existing issues. Due the Costa Rican political culture, it is unlikely that Alvarez reduce the level of social welfare in the country.
Macroeconomic policy
In regards to fiscal reform, he proposes an integral fiscal reform. He proposes this through three pillars: 1. Modernization of the fiscal structure; 2. Effective control over government expenditure triggers; and 3.Increase in transparency and accountability in the public sector accounts. However, he has yet to provide detailed information on a fiscal reform strategy.
Center left- Alvarado previously served as President Guillermo Solís' Minister of Labor and Minister of Human Development. During his tenure, Costa Rica suffered from high levels of unemployment, reaching 10% in 2015. Before working in the Solís administration, he served as the communications director of the 2014 Solís presidential campaign.
Campaign promise
Alvarado has outlined his campaign promises on his official campaign website. He focuses on the modernization of education, and the development of the internal agricultural market. In regards to urban development, he promises to build an elevated electric train system that connects San Jose, Cartago, Alajuela, and Heredia. He also aims to prohibit oil exploration in the country, following the sustainable and environmental agenda established by the Solís administration. Alvarado also highlights the need for integral fiscal reform, by establishing a progressive tax system and the creation of a value added tax (VAT).
Business friendliness
Alvarado's private sector experience indicates that he is likely to be more open to the private sector that President Solís. Alvarado worked in Procter & Gamble as an regional assistant brand manager for many years.
Foreign affairs and trade policy
In terms of experience, Alvarado has little in terms of foreign affairs. However, it is likely that he maintain the foreign policy established by the Solís administration.
Social welfare programs
In regards to social welfare, Alvarado aims to expand a series of social programs, such as the Bridge to Development and the Welfare Network developed by the Solís administration.
Macroeconomic policy
Alvarado's macroeconomic policy is likely to follow that of the Solís administration. He publicly supports the package of reforms Solís introduced to the National Assembly in mid-August.
Center Right- Castro has a background in law and is considered a controversial candidate. He began the campaign using what some may consider populist rhetoric, directly attacking candidate Antonio Alvarez Desanti, the Solís administration, and the country's "traditional parties". He served as Minister of Public Security in 1994-1996, and later as Minister of Justice from 1996-1997.
Campaign promise
Castro's main focus on the campaign trail thus far has been on security issues, but has not published his formal campaign promises or proposals. His promises focus on ending corruption and being the 58th legislative deputy, working directly with the National Assembly.
Business friendliness
Castro has expressed his interest in privatizing state entities, such as the Institute for Costa Rican Electricity (ICE), establishing concessions in the development of public infrastructure projects, is a supporter of public-private partnerships.
Foreign affairs and trade policy
Castro has not indicated what his stance on trade or what his foreign policy entails.
Social welfare programs
Castro has not indicated his stance on government programs.
Macroeconomic policy
Castro has stated that he will establish a value added tax of 13% and establish an accountability framework to monitor the government's use of the funds.
Hard Right- Guevara is one of the founders of the Libertarian movement party and has efficiently blocked Solís administration measures in the past three years. He is against raising taxes, and has instead proposed legislation cutting government programs in an attempt to reduce government spending. He also supports the privatization of several state owned entities, including the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity. He also has conservative social views, opposing abortion and same-sex marriage. This is Guevara's fifth presidential run.
Campaign promise
Guevara promises to "Place Order" by reducing the size of the federal government, the country's infrastructure, privatizing government entities, cutting social welfare programs, and reducing bureaucratic processes. Guevara has yet to provide a specific action plan.
Business friendliness
In certain aspects, such as not increasing taxes and opening markets that are currently dominated by government entities, Guevara showcases a friendliness towards the private sector. He also supports reforms that decrease bureaucratic processes that he believes deter investment and entrepreneurship.
Foreign affairs and trade policy
In regards to foreign affairs, Guevara does not seem to be driven by a nationalistic ideology and has expressed interest in reducing bureaucratic processes to facilitate foreign investment.
Social welfare programs
Guevara has stated that he intends to review all social welfare programs and provide services to those who really need them. Initial intervention is to be expected in the short term, while a reduction in government programs and government funds directed to those programs is expected in the long term.
Macroeconomic policy
In regards to macroeconomic policy, Guevara does not believe in creating additional taxes, but rather strengthening the current system to increase tax collection. Additionally, he aims to privatize government entities and cut government spending.
Right-Hernandez, with a background in medicine, gained support from PRSC key political figure and former president Rafael Angel Calderon. His ideology is highly based on conservative family values, and places family as his main pillar as a presidential candidate. Hernandez was the only individual to register as the party's presidential candidate.
Campaign promise
Hernandez divided his campaign into four pillars: 1. Human rights with a focus on family values, 2. Stabilizing and strengthening the economy, 3. Increasing security, and 4. Fomenting innovation.
Business friendliness
In business friendliness, Hernandez is likely to promote policies that benefit the private sector as he aims to create jobs through private enterprise and not through the public sector.
Foreign affairs and trade policy
On foreign affairs Hernandez is likely to maintain levels of the liberal ideologies in place, but has expressed contempt on "neighbors who trample Costa Rica".
Social welfare programs
Hernandez's conservative ideology will likely mean less intervention and limiting spending on social welfare programs.
Macroeconomic policy
In regards to macroeconomic policy, due to his conservative ideals, Hernandez is likely to follow orthodox policies. He has stated that he will have proposals to stabilize the economy through legal reforms to promote small businesses, tourism, and agriculture.
Center- Despite liberal tendencies, Piza has recently aligned himself to more conservative values, criticizing the spending and growth of the government in Costa Rica. It is important to keep in mind, however, that Piza is a conservative social on issues such as abortion and marriage equality. Piza has a long history in Costa Rican politcs, he ran as the presidential candidate for the PUSC in the 2014 elections, and comes from a family of politicians.
Campaign promise
Piza's campaign promises focus on ten issues: 1. More jobs and reducing informal jobs, 2. Fight crime, 3. Infrastructure and transport, 4. Fight against poverty, 5. Recuperate the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), 6. Fight corruption, 7. Eliminate processes and bureaucratic obstacles, 8. Right to family and life, 9. Fiscal balance, and 10. Democracy and political reform.
Business friendliness
Piza's campaign promise of eliminate processes and bureaucratic obstacles is likely to benefit the private sector and increase the ease of doing business. His job growth strategy includes the strengthening of the private sector and attracting foreign direct investment.
Foreign affairs and trade policy
Piza is likely to maintain the current foreign policy, following liberal trade policies. He has yet to indicate specific policy changes in regards to trade and foreign affairs.
Social welfare programs
In regards to social welfare, Piza has suggested a significant review on current government expenses on social welfare programs, including that of the integral package of health services and adjusting the variables of the welfare system. As such, under a Piza presidency we can expect reforms to the current social welfare systems.
Macroeconomic policy
In terms of macroeconomic policy, Piza does not provide any specifics. When discussing the fiscal reform, he suggests putting a cap on the government's fiscal deficit and public debt while decreasing the existing deficit without "dramatic measures". He has publicly opposed an increase in taxes.
![]() |
Extreme left | Hard left | Center left | Center | Center right | Hard right | Extreme right |
Brother of recently deceased Fidel Castro, Raul Castro, consolidated his role as Cuba's president and sole leader in 2008. Raul Castro led the country to a new strategy of diversifying international trading partners and reforms. The new rapprochement between the U.S. and Cuba has opened the door for new opportunities, and a sign of introduction of the country into the world market. The election is not likely to bring about much change. Cuba remains a one-party system, where opposition is often repressed. The speculated successor is Miguel Diaz-Canel, the current 1st Vice President.
In 2013, Diaz-Canel was elected as First Vice-President of the Council of State of Cuba and Council of Ministers. During his tenure he oversaw education, culture, sports, and press. Diaz-Canel is considered the new generation of Cuban politics, but is expected to continue with the policies instated by the Castro brothers for the past decades. It is said that Diaz-Canel is less of an ideologue than the Castro brothers, but was personally chosen by Raul Castro as the country’s next leader. He was the youngest-ever member of the Communist Party’s Politurbo, the party’s highest decision-making body.
Click on the candidate for detailed information
Hard left- Diaz-Canel is said to represent a new generation for Cuban politics, but is likely to maintain the status quo established by Raul Castro, including the recent opening of Cuba, while maintaining internal communist social policies in order to remain in power.
Campaign promise
Diaz-Canel has not developed a platform as he is not democratically elected.
Business friendliness
Diaz-Canel has been an important ally for Castro in the development of the opening of Cuba policies. It is likely that he maintain a positive level of business friendliness in order to sustain growth.
Foreign affairs and trade policy
In regards to foreign affairs, Diaz-Canel is likely to maintain the current opening of Cuba. He has also gained experience in foreign policy, often organizing and participating in delegations to China, Vietnam, and Venezuela.
Social welfare programs
Social welfare programs are likely to remain the same under his tenure, total state control of social services.
Macroeconomic policy
Diaz-Canel has not been an opponent to the reforms set in place by the Raul Castro administration. However, it is likely that the country's monetary and fiscal policy remain under tight control of the government.
![]() |
Extreme left | Hard left | Center left | Center | Center right | Hard right | Extreme right |
Information will be provided closer to the election date.
Information will be provided closer to the election date.
Information will be provided closer to the election date.
The 2013 elections were the first after the ousting of Manuel Zelaya in 2009, and a milestone in the country's political history as the two-party system broke with the introduction of new political parties. Juan Hernandez, of the National Party of Honduras (PNH), beat Xiomara (Iris) Castro, wife of ousted President Zelaya, in the 2013 election by less than 7 points, and the country underwent a transfer of power despite accusations of corruption and fraud by the other political parties. In 2016, the TSE voted to allow a consecutive reelection and President Juan Hernandez ran for the PNH's primary. The decision by the TSE has been denounced by the opposition as unconstitutional, but Hernandez remains in the race due to a high level of governability within the PNH controlled Congress, and maintains backing from the partisan judiciary. Primaries held in March 2017, narrowed down the candidates to: Luis Zelaya (PLH), Juan Hernandez (PNH), current president, and Xiomara (Iris) Castro. It is expected that Castro will be Hernandez's strongest competitor. Hondurans will also vote for 128 representatives in the National Congress and over a thousand positions in local municipal positions in the 2017 elections.
Update 1: July 24,2017
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal has just published the final list of candidates for the presidential election. On November 26th, Hondurans will elect a president from a total list of nine hopefuls, which is a large number when compared to recent past elections. Since our first post, Xiomara Castro, the LIBRE candidate, has withdrawn from the election. Instead, she has signed on to the Alliance Against a Dictatorship, an opposition alliance comprised of the Anti-Corruption Party (PAC) and the Innovation and Social Democratic Party (PINU-SD). The alliance backs the candidacy of Salvador Nasralla, a television personality in Honduras. Nasralla counts on the support of key opposition politicians, including deposed President Manuel Zelaya, who continues to be an influential politician within the country. According to reports, Luis Zelaya (Liberal) was offered to join the opposition alliance, but declined the offer, deciding to continue as the Liberal candidate. Both candidates are at the forefront of the race, along with current President Juan Hernandez, who remains in the running. The remaining six candidates represent Honduras' smaller parties and according to most recent polls, do not have enough support to successfully hurt the chances of the three main candidates.
Update 2: August 30, 2017
With the campaign officially underway, the main political candidates have taken to press conferences and visiting small cities to gather votes. While the Nasralla camp, with support from former candidate Xiomara Castro and former president Juan Manuel Zelaya, have attempted to paint JOH as a corrupt individual bent on securing power, JOH has compared the opposition’s tactics to those used by the government of Venezuela, citing their support for the current regime. These tactics are unlikely to shift the current situation. In the polls, JOH maintains a steady lead over Nasralla, averaging out to 40% in the past three months, while Nasralla averaged a 22%.
Update 3: September 27, 2017
As elections approach, a victory for President Hernandez seems all but unavoidable. Polls indicate the vote intention has reached a balance point, with the PNH candidate maintaining his large and unwavering lead at around 40%, while the other candidates struggle to raise more support.
Although members of the international community, such as the Organization of American States (OAS) and the European Commission, have agreed with the Honduran government to instate an Election Observation Mission to monitor the elections, opposition Alliance candidate, Salvador Nasralla, claims he has proof the elections are being defrauded under the direction of the PNH. These accusations, however, have not managed to undermine the support for the current president. Contrariwise, the OAS threatened to denounce the opposition candidate after he insinuated the former had colluded with the PNH in order to defraud the elections, and his accusations are increasingly perceived as a desperate political maneuver. On the other hand, Hernandez is likely to reach the elections with a bolster in his approval rating, making a turnaround even less likely.
Click on the candidate for detailed information
Right- During his tenure, Hernandez has focused on security issues by ramping up the military police force and combating gangs and criminal activity. Ideologically, he stands in the right of the ideological spectrum when compared to his more liberal opponents.
Campaign promise
Campaigns on the continuation of first term policies. For this campaign, he placed a focus on security and a "military police officer in every corner".
Business friendliness
Hernandez has been friendly with the private sector.
Foreign affairs and trade policy
Center - One of the main issues in Honduras is security. In this regard, Hernandez is open to regional efforts to solve the issue, as can be evidenced in Honduras' role in the Alliance for Prosperity. During his tenure, he has also advanced with the customs union with Guatemala, which is likely to facilitate commerce in the region.
Social welfare programs
Left - Hernandez is an advocate for the development government assistance programs, as evidenced by his "Better Life" social program.
Macroeconomic policy
Conservative - Hernandez raised the sales tax during his tenure, raising government revenue.
Center Left- Zelaya is considered to be in the center due to his stance on education policy, private sector issues, and background in academia. It is important to keep in mind that this placement in the ideological spectrum is subjective to his opponents.
Campaign promise
Zelaya's campaign is not well structured and he has often described it as "the same as the others". He offers social liberal policies with a focus on education.
Business friendliness
Zelaya has expressed his intent to focus on national industry while also advocating for companies to invest in Honduras. As such, it is likely that he will attempt remain in the good graces of the private sector.
Foreign affairs and trade policy
Center left - Zelaya has spoke little about his stance on foreign relations, but it is expected that he will continue to participate in the Northern Triangle regional initiatives, such as the Alliance for Prosperity.
Social welfare programs
Left - Zelaya, like his opponents, is a staunch advocate for social welfare programs.
Macroeconomic policy
Center - Zelaya has not been very outspoken on his stance on economic policy, but due to his economic background, it is likely that he stands more in the center.
Nasralla comes into the election with the backing of former candidate, Iris Castro (LIBRE) and the Innovation and Social Democratic Party (PINU-SD), forging the Alliance Against a Dictatorship. Nasralla, founder of the PAC, has been outspoken against the Hernandez government. This is Nasralla's second time running for president.
Campaign promise
Nasralla's campaign promises include fighting corruption at all levels. He has stated his intent to review the government's accounts and allocating funds to infrastructure projects, increase the country's agricultural production.
Business friendliness
Nasralla has promised to promote and attract investment through the establishment of investment facilitation strategies and policies. He has stated that he intends to increase Honduras manufacturing capabilities, in order to lower the import of materials and goods that can be manufactured in house. This is likely to benefit local business, but may hurt multinational corporation's market. It is important to note that Nasralla has provided little information on exact policies that would increase local manufacturing and production for in-country consumption and exportation.
Foreign affairs and trade policy
Nasralla has little experience on foreign affairs. He has yet to discuss this topic publicly.
Social welfare programs
Nasralla, like other candidates, is keen on instating social welfare programs. He has promised to subsidize energy consumption and formalizing peasant's agricultural production by developing government funded programs.
Macroeconomic policy
Nasralla has not indicated what his macroeconomic policy will likely be, but due to the developed alliance, it is likely that he stands within LIBRE's ideological spectrum on this issue.
![]() |
Extreme left | Hard left | Center left | Center | Center right | Hard right | Extreme right |
Information will be provided closer to the election date.
Information will be provided closer to the election date.
Information will be provided closer to the election date. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Panama has not set an exact election date.
Since the last elections in 2012, Paraguay has enjoyed a cycle of economic optimism and growth, boosted by macroeconomic stability and large amounts of foreign investment. However, the country has not fully recovered from the controversial impeachment of Fernando Lugo in 2012, and, as the presidential elections approach, the political instability latent during most of Horacio Cartes’ tenure has begun to resurface. This was evidenced in April, when social unrest swept Asunción following the Senate’s approval of a Constitutional Amendment which allowed Cartes and other former presidents to run for a second term. Since then, strikes and demonstrations have taken place, and the result of the election could either relieve the current social tension or galvanize it. The party primaries will be held on December 17th. Candidate profiles will be provided once the primaries are complete.
The Partido Colorado (PC) has two possible presidential candidates. Cartes’ pre-candidate, his former Minister of Finance Santiago Peña (PC), is likely to keep the current agenda, focusing on building a business-friendly environment in order to attract foreign capital. Although Peña enjoys the benefit of being an outsider who can claim to be exempt from the usual practices of Paraguayan politics, he will have to overcome not only the rising unpopularity of his mentor, but also his adversary in the party’s primaries, Mario Abdo Benítez (PC). Abdo, whom the polls show to have the lead over Peña, is backed by the most traditional and conservative factions of the Colorado Party, wherein, unlike Peña, he and his family have a long history. Notwithstanding Abdo’s frequent claims that Peña is too liberal and unaligned with the Colorados, he has increasingly gained support within the party, making the result of the Colorado primaries unpredictable.
Despite the Colorado Party having won all but one election in the last 70 years, the largest opposition parties, the Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA) and Lugo’s Guasú Front (FG), have united into one bloc, the Renovated Great National Alliance (GANAR), in order to build up enough support and beat the Colorados. Large sectors of both parties, however, are distrustful of the alliance. FG members resent PLRA’s support for Lugo’s impeachment. In turn, some PLRA members have gone so far as to express support for the Colorados after the Alliance was announced, especially after journalist and environmental activist Leo Rubín was chosen by the FG to be the Alliance’s candidate for vice-president. Still, PLRA’s president and most likely candidate, Efraín Alegre, has continued to endorse the Alliance, hoping to secure the votes of FG’s large social base. Alegre will face off against Carlos Mateo Balmelli – another experienced politician – and Martín Sannemann, both of whom are against the FG alliance.
Information will be provided closer to the election date.
Information will be provided closer to the election date.
Information will be provided closer to the election date. It is important to note that Venezuela's National Electoral Council (CNE) has yet to set a date for the elections. The most recent news come directly from President Nicolas Maduro who confirmed that presidential elections will take place in late 2018.
Update 1: August 3, 2017
On July 31st, President Nicolas Maduro organized a vote where Venezuelans elected the members of a Constituent National Assembly. The Assembly is tasked with writing a new constitution and will be able to make significant changes, reshaping the current checks and balances system in place by redefining the powers of the legislative and executive branches. As such, it is not clear how the Constituent National Assembly will redefine Venezuelan elections and the voting system. It is important to note that this vote has been highly contested by the opposition, who held an unofficial plebiscite a few days before in an attempt to repudiate and delegitimize the upcoming vote. Main actors of the international community publicly denounced the vote, where the United States went as far as placing individual financial sanctions on President Maduro.