In an alliance with local media consortium of Prensa Libre and Guatevision, the Embassy sponsored a series of video podcasts entitled #PoliticasSinPajas (politics without foolery). Eleven episodes addressed several topics that mattered to youngsters in the context of the Guatemala General Election 2023, encouraging them to engage in a healthy discussion and to vote.
Guatemala is heading to the polls on 25 June to elect President, Vice President, Congress Representatives (including the Central American Parliament) and Mayors. According to official statistics, approximately 41 percent of the electoral roll is made up of young people between the ages of 18 and 35. The total people entitled to vote in this election is around 9.3 million citizens.
The episodes aired once a week from the end of March to beginning of June, coinciding with the electoral process, reaching audiences thought the most popular social medial channels of Prensa Libre and Guatevision. The format consisted of one-hour programmes conducted by youngsters, with the support of relevant experts on each of the topics and live interactions with social media audiences.
The list of topics addressed were:
- Why elections matter?
- What are the duties of the President and Congressmen?
- The role of the Mayor
- The role of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal
- How not to fall for false information during election time
- The reason behind the number of political parties in Guatemala
- The elections and chances of fraud, is it feasible?
- How to assess campaign promises
- How do political parties get their financing
- Gender equality in politics (why are more men than women?)
- Advice for a conscious vote and closing episode
The British Ambassador to Guatemala, Nick Whittingham, said:
From the beginning, the objective of this alliance was to promote an informed vote, talking with experts, and knowing the concerns of young people about their future. I congratulate the team that came together for the project and their creative ideas for sending these messages.
The Editorial Director of Prensa Libre and Guatevision, Domenica Velasquez, said:
We thought it was important to do something different, and youngsters talking to youngsters speaking positively about politics and the responsibility we uphold as citizens, would be critical to build a better country. Thanks to the British Embassy for supporting this effort.
The closing event was hold at Universidad Rafael Landivar of Guatemala. Each of the episodes will remain available as an informative tool for youngsters and public in general to reach.
