In a move that appears as a mix of Argentine inspired nepotism, downright corruption, and the ultimate romantic gesture, Alvaro Colom divorces his wife, Sandra Torres, so she can run for president in the upcoming elections.
Colom’s wife (ex-wife) said she would be the governing party candidate later this year, for the September election. Torres has apparently played a large role behind the scenes during her husband’s presidency.
Guatemala’s constitutional court will have the final say on whether Torres—whom critics say already holds more control than her husband—will be allowed to run for office.
The couple were together for 8 years, before Sandra Torres de Colon submitted a divorce petition to the Second Family Court in Guatemala City on March 11 in a civil enforcement proceeding. She had announced her candidacy two days prior.
Guatemala’s constitution prohibits relatives of the nation’s chief executive from running for president.
Constitutional attorney Carlos Molina Mencos said once the divorce has been finalized Sandra Torres will be able to legally seek the presidency.
However, he called the divorce a “mockery” and “immoral.”
Opposition leader Otto Pérez Molina condemned the move as an immoral attempt to manipulate the electoral system. “It is sad that for the love of power, she left the love of her life,” said Zury Rios, a member of the Guatemalan Republican Front Party “One can divorce for many reasons, but for the love of power, is unthinkable.”
