Havana’s new laws on the sale of private property took effect November 10. They fit into the larger context of reforms enacted by Raúl Castro since he assumed power in 2008.

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.

Voters head to the polls October 30 for Colombia’s local elections. The country’s three biggest cities—Bogota, Medellin, and Cali—are holding fiercely fought mayoral competitions.