The competition to serve as Peru's next head of state intensified with former President Alejandro Toledo and ex-Finance Minister Mercedes Aráoz announcing their candidacies. They join an already tight race for the April 2011 election.

As Haiti prepares to weather tropical storm Tomas, its escalating cholera outbreak has led the president to urge postponement of the November 28 elections. Yet, despite the myriad difficulties confronting Haitian politics, many view a delay as unnecessary.

Brazil elected its first female president on October 31, when voters chose Dilma Rousseff—and continuity—over ex-Governor of São Paulo José Serra.

Dilma Rousseff and José Serra face off October 31 in a runoff presidential election. AS/COA Online offers an overview of polling data, coverage, and primary sources as the country’s 136 million voters prepare to head to the polls.

The outcome of the U.S. midterm elections will likely impact U.S. policy toward Latin America. AS/COA Online takes a look at the debates over free trade, Californian drug policy, border security, and immigration.

"Speculation is rampant in Washington that the November 2 mid-term elections will usher in a new phase of trade expansion for the United States," argues Eric Farnsworth in an op-ed for The Miami Herald.

The campaign ahead of the second round election on October 31 will allow Dilma Rousseff to be better prepared for the realities of politics once she is likely confirmed as president.