By-elections to fill vacancies in the Congress were held in Guatemala on 13 October 1944. Congressional elections were blatantly manipulated to insure the election of government candidates. [1] Following the example of former president Ubico, president Ponce Vaides rigged the congressional elections in October 1944, in which the official slate won 48,530 votes out of a total of 44,571 ballots. [2] The ruling Progressive Liberal Party's candidates easily captured the five congressional seats available. [3]
On 20 October 1944, young military officers deposed President Ponce in a lightning-quick coup. [4] The junta immediately dissolved the legislature and set dates for three elections: congressional, 3-5 November; presidential, 17-19 December; and, constituent assembly, 28-30 December. [5]
By-elections to fill vacancies in the Congress were held in Guatemala on 13 October 1944. Congressional elections were blatantly manipulated to insure the election of government candidates. [1] Following the example of former president Ubico, president Ponce Vaides rigged the congressional elections in October 1944, in which the official slate won 48,530 votes out of a total of 44,571 ballots. [2] The ruling Progressive Liberal Party's candidates easily captured the five congressional seats available. [3]
On 20 October 1944, young military officers deposed President Ponce in a lightning-quick coup. [4] The junta immediately dissolved the legislature and set dates for three elections: congressional, 3-5 November; presidential, 17-19 December; and, constituent assembly, 28-30 December. [5]