Ex-Dictator Rios Montt Nominated for President

Guatemala’s ruling party nominated former dictator and head of Congress Gen. Efrain Rios Montt as its candidate for November’s presidential election, although his run appears to violate the constitution. The constitution states that former heads of state can’t seek the presidency again. It further bars anyone who has participated in a coup from assuming the office.

Rios Montt took power in a coup in March 1982 and ruled for less than 17 months, during which he is accused of overseeing anti-insurgency campaigns that killed thousands of peasants.