To investigate or not to investigate? Mexico’s ex-presidents don’t have immunity from prosecution. Yet an August 1 referendum—phrased in a rather confusing way—asks whether they should face justice for corruption and other crimes. AS/COA’s Carin Zissis digs into the ins and outs of the vote.

Interested in seeing how Mexico and other Latin American countries fare when it comes to battling corruption? Check out AS/COA’s 2021 Capacity to Combat Corruption Index.

In AQ’s latest podcast episode, Editor-in-Chief Brian Winter talks with Mexican political analyst Denise Dresser about the motivations behind the referendum.

Learn about this and other votes taking place in the region in our 2021 election guide.

THEY SAID WHAT?

• Political tensions are erupting across Latin America, raising questions about Washington’s role in the region. There may not be one clear strategy to address the panoply of issues, but confirming an assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere Affairs would be a good step. (The Hill)

• Guatemala’s attorney general fired the country’s lead anti-corruption prosecutor last week, leading Washington to suspend some forms of cooperation. (Reuters) Between that, spiking Covid cases, and one of the lowest vaccination rates in Latin America, tensions are rising and people are taking to the streets. (The Guardian)

• In the wake of watershed protests in Cuba and amid a Covid case surge, the deaths of no fewer than six military leaders are sparking attention. (Univision)

• Colombia expelled a German citizen who took part in anti-tax reform protests in Cali, for participating in “activities that had nothing to do with her status as a tourist.” (Deutsche-Welle)

• Chile is crafting its new Magna Carta, and El Podcast Constituyente is following the twists and turns of the process.

• Moody’s downgraded Pemex’s credit rating over “obvious logical contradictions” and said the Mexican state oil firm’s outlook is not looking so bright. Pemex’s CEO was not pleased. (Bloomberg)

• Bolivian indigenous leaders criticized the lack of vaccines in their communities. (Reuters)

• Rio de Janeiro began a mass vaccination campaign in the Maré Complex, the city's largest favela conglomerate. (CNN Brasil)

• Facing budget constraints due to Covid costs, Mexican archeologists had to rebury a find. (AP)