Rigoberta Menchú, the 1992 Nobel Peace Prize, author and human rights advocate, is said to be considering making an historic run for the presidency of Guatemala.If successful, not only would Menchú become the first woman president of the country, but she would join Bolivia's Evo Morales as only the 2nd person of indigenous heritage to lead a Latin American country.
Another way that she'd make history is that Menchú represents the very people the Guatemalan elites have for so long oppressed. Menchú's own father was killed by a military death squad for protesting human rights abuses, and Menchú's own life was threatened for her human rights crusade. Menchú herself had to flee to Mexico in 1981 where she was cared for by members of a Roman Catholic group.
In a sign of the challenges ahead for Menchú, she told a Reuters reporter the following: "There are some Guatemalans who would be very scared to see Rigoberta Menchú as president because they are racists," said the 48-year-old Menchú, who wears traditional Mayan clothes elaborately embroidered with birds and flowers.
Menchú is considering running under the banner of Encounter for Guatemala Party, a left of center political party led by Nineth Montenegro, a former Menchu ally and human rights advocate.
Menchu is very active in Guatemalas political and civil rights movements. However, the oligarchy in Guatemala is going to work to put her down in any way they can. The "dark forces" left after the decades of military governments are still be very influential. It is going to be an exciting race for the presidency now that she is in it. I would love to know who else is in her team and what real proposals they have to address the social issues she is bringing to the table.
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