Elections

Guatemala is having their elections on Sunday, Sept 11.  After lots of propoganda (stands in the park, notices on TV and the radio, cars driving around town with campaign songs and slogans blasting from loudspeakers attached to the top of the car), all campaigning stopped as of noon yesterday.  Alcohol sales are also suspended until the elections are over.  I believe discoteques are closed.  All in an effort to keep things tranquil and give the Guatemalan people sufficient time and space to carefully consider their vote. 

I don't believe things will get violent, though things have gotten rough in elections before.  (There is always more of a risk of things happening in the capital than here.)  I have heard the public school teachers have threatened to block roads so people who are traveling will not be able to get to the polls to vote.  (They've been setting up roadblocks since before I got here--I'm not exactly sure what they are protesting about.)

So here is hoping for a nice, tranquil elections Sunday.    

And also a peaceful Sunday for everyone back home as we remember another 11th of September when things were anything but peaceful in the United States.  Ten years ago...amazing.