The results of the latter two are yet to be revealed, but with more than 50% of the presidential vote counted, Xiomara Castro of Liberty and Refoundation (LIBRE) holds a 20-percentage-point lead. Barring any last-minute upsets, Castro will take office in January as the country’s first-ever female president, and its first leftist president since 2009.
Attention will quickly shift to the new legislature and the formation of a governing alliance for the incoming president.
A Castro presidency would probably engage with Washington early, especially on anti-corruption efforts.
Diplomatic relations with China could involve a surge of investment, particularly in infrastructure projects.
Possible investigation of outgoing President Hernandez in connection with drug-trafficking allegations could taint the PN by association.
