Although the government boasts a sharp drop in homicides, the rise in disappearances, the expansion of criminal control, and territorial violence paint a far more alarming picture.
The scenarios that open up depend on how much the political system can absorb the discontent arising from the result of this first presidential election.
Faced with a volatile and young electorate clamoring for change, the region faces the challenge of determining whether this rightward shift will bring lasting improvements or will simply be another political swing.
The expansion of organized crime in Latin America no longer only threatens security; it also silently erodes institutions and puts democracy across the region at risk.
With no clear majorities and no room to move toward the extremes, the candidates are focusing their strategy on appealing to a moderate electorate that will decide the election.
