Former general Rios Montt, accused of ordering the massacre of thousands of Maya Indians during his rule from 1982 to 1983, announced on Saturday May 24 that he plans on running in the November 9 presidential elections with the support of the Republican Front Party. Montt has said that he is prepared to challenge Guatemala’s 1985 constitution, which prohibits former dictators from holding the presidency. He has gained popularity during the past few years and is expected to fare well due to popular support and the cultivation of his image as a tough leader who isn’t afraid to crack down on crime.
