On February 12, Venezuela will hold its first universal opposition primary as contenders vie to run against President Hugo Chávez in the October election. While the opposition prepares its campaign, Chávez plans for heavy spending in the year ahead.

Across Latin America, innovative crowdsourcing websites are shining a light on security, health, and consumer concerns.

AS/COA previews major events and key players in the coming year. Crucial elections are taking place in the Americas in 2012, as well as important global summits.

Popular support to combat corruption is growing in Brazil, as President Dilma Rousseff dismisses wrongdoers from her cabinet and new clean-record laws aim to block offending candidates from office.

Retired general Otto Pérez Molina won the presidential runoff vote on November 6. What does his victory mean for Guatemalan efforts to improve security and rule of law?

In February, the opposition will choose its candidate to compete against President Hugo Chávez in the October 2012 presidential election. AS/COA looks at the candidates and some of the top issues.

With the race for the Casa Rosada heating up, President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner holds a strong lead in the polls. But results in recent local elections indicate the opposition could be building steam.