Democracy in the Mayan Highlands:
The ballot reads: “Are you in favor of metal mining exploitation, the installation of geothermal energy generators, construction of hydro-electric projects, installation of energy distribution and telecommunication towers within the territory of the municipality of Santa Maria Chiquimula?” On October 26, 2014, Kiché Mayan members from the highland town in Totonicapan, Guatemala, overwhelmingly voted against these extractive projects: 39,198 voted no, while 300 voted yes.
Some may wonder whether a rejection of these projects should be considered a step backwards from the path to progress and development. Santa Maria Chiquimula ranks as one of the most economically desolate municipalities in the country. Yet, the 74th community consultation in Guatemala since 2005 maintains an unequivocal trend in what local Mayan communities view as a preventive measure in the struggle to protect indigenous territories and their cultures from industrial projects.
Juan Carlos Carrillo, secretary for the Permanent Council for the Defense of Life and Territory of Santa Maria Chiquimula, declares: “We are convinced that extractive activities and the imposition of mega-projects by the government are a cause of numerous social ills. The government, working together with national and transnational capital, is attempting to forcibly impose projects that pretend to plunder our territories, generate division amongst our people, and further increase social and economic inequalities. These extractive projects do not bring development here to our communities.”
Santa Maria Chiquimula, Totonicapan, Guatemala. October 2014.