When President-elect Otto Pérez Molina takes office on January 14, he will encounter a judicial system that has made substantial improvements, though challenges remain.

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?

"Sunday’s elections in Guatemala and Nicaragua were notable for their relative lack of controversy, despite the conclusion of virtually all independent analysts that the former risks a return to the violence of the past and the latter was contrary to Nicaragua’s own constitution," writes COA's Eric Farnsworth.

"It’s a mark of utter failure by Guatemala’s institutions that people are seriously talking about bringing the military back," says AS/COA's Eric Farnsworth.

The two countries headed to the polls Sunday. Retired General Otto Pérez Molina won Guatemala’s runoff, while former rebel leader Daniel Ortega gained reelection in Nicaragua.

Retired General Otto Pérez Molina placed well ahead of his rivals in the September 11 vote. He will face Manuel Baldízon in a November 6 runoff for Guatemala's presidency.

Janeth Ordóñez charla con AQ Online pocas semanas antes de las elecciones en Guatemala el próximo 11 de septiembre.