On October 28, over 15 million Colombians cast ballots to elect 32 governors and 1,098 mayors and local council members. In a key election, Samuel Moreno of the Polo Democrática Alternativo won the Bogotá mayorship.
Hemispheric Updates
With former President Alberto Fujimori returning to Peru to stand trial for corruption and human rights abuses, AS/COA looks at his impending trial. A new update also examines the country’s overall economic performance, including potential ramifications of discontent in the mining industry.
Chile, Mexico, and Peru are among the 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum members that met at the annual meeting. What was achieved in Australia and how will Peru manage its role as the next APEC Summit host?
Mexico risks running a deficit in 2008 if the fiscal reform bill is not approved, according to President Calderon. Beyond this priority, his administration continues to focus efforts on forging stronger ties across Latin America.
Brazil offers an important model for energy generation and security. Domestically, hydroelectric and nuclear projects are underway but new oil refineries are needed to meet growing demand. At the same time, President Lula continues to traverse the region to promote biofuels and energy cooperation.
As the U.S. presidential campaign gets underway, AS/COA takes stock of public vs. private political party financing across the Americas. Television advertising is the largest campaign expenditure, but many countries provide a minimum of free TV and radio time.