“Elections and Democracy in the Americas”

In the final months of 2025, and in 2026, a set of critical elections are taking place in Latin America. These contests raise a range of fascinating, complex and significant questions. Will the results of these elections contribute to a rightward shift in the region, represent a resurgence of the left or both? In which countries is democracy itself on the ballot? Will these contests be free and fair? This event features a panel of experts — academics and practitioners — who will discuss from various angles these important elections and their implications for democracy in Latin America.

The panel will feature: Lorenzo Córdova, resident researcher with the Georgetown Americas Institute and ex-president of the National Electoral Institute of Mexico; Máximo Zaldívar, regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean at the International Foundation for Electoral Systems; María Cristina Escudero, professor in the University of Chile department of government; moderator Michael Shifter, adjunct professor at the Georgetown University CLAS and former president of the Inter-American Dialogue.

An informal reception will follow in the CLAS suite until 7:30. Please RSVP here.