In both countries, which hold elections on April 11, voters are divided and largely unenthused by traditional politics—but have few alternatives.

AS/COA Online looks at the new U.S. president’s nominees and appointees, their ties to the region, and relevant policy leanings.

In the April 11 second-round vote, Andrés Arauz faces Guillermo Lasso. Youth, women, and disaffected voters may play decisive roles.

The arrest of his predecessor on terrorism charges is the latest step by Arce’s government to set off alarms.

"É importante resistir ao desejo de…retratar as revelações da Lava Jato, como nada mais que um sonho febril", diz Brian Winter da AS/COA na BBC News.

Analysts react to
Monday's surprise court decision.

Jair Bolsonaro has so far fallen short of the worst doomsday predictions of becoming an authoritarian ruler.