A former TV comedian with no experience in government has won the run-off vote in Guatemala's presidential election.
Jimmy Morales polled 72% against the former first lady, Sandra Torres, who is seen by many as part of the country's unpopular political elite.
The vote took place a month after the resignation and arrest of President Otto Perez Molina, accused of leading a corrupt network of politicians and customs officials. The former president denies involvement in a scheme which saw businessmen pay bribes to evade customs charges.
Many voters see the comedian as a fresh start following nationwide protests that ousted Mr Perez Molina. "As president I received a mandate, and the mandate of the people of Guatemala is to fight against the corruption that is consuming us. God bless and thank you," said Mr Morales after the count.
But turnout was low, despite calls for voters to help Guatemala overcome a serious political crisis.Ms Torres ran government social programmes when her ex-husband Alvaro Colom was president between 2008 and 2012.
Mr Morales has regaled voters with stories about his humble origins and jokes from a 14-year period on a TV comedy show.
He has been criticised for some of his more far-fetched policies which include the tagging of teachers with a GPS device to ensure they attend classes and giving each Guatemalan child an iPhone.
His manifesto is only six pages - giving few indications as to how he might run the country - but he is known to favor low taxes and limited government.
One of Mr Morales' most famous comedy roles was that of a useless cowboy who becomes president by accident.
People upset with the government turn to people from movies or TV who have personas they believe. This could be the new wave of government in the 21st Century.
Don't misunderstand me, I could have perhaps voted for Morales, given an either/or choice with Sandra Torres. I just think the problems are systemic, and a grandiose wave of the hand isn't going to make them go away.
