Marlin Mine 10

August 16, 2007

Marlin Mine 10

The direct links between Montana Exploradora de Guatemala and current President Oscar Berger, from the GANA political party, have been widely documented. Furthermore, the current municipal mayors of both Sipakapa and San Miguel Ixtahuacán, who came to power under the clout of other political parties four years ago and have continually argued in favour of the mining project instead of the wellbeing of their communities, now seek re-election with the GANA. In San Miguel Ixtahuacán, the current mayor’s re-election slogan states: “In order for Peace to continue, vote for Mayor Oswaldo.” Taking into account the high social tensions and with only 40 days before the elections, it is difficult not to interpret the slogan as a threat.