In the 2011 presidential election, the former first lady Ms Torres's candidacy was judged unconstitutional and thus could not run for the presidency. Mr. Otto Pérez Molina who is the leader of the party of Partido Patriota won the election in the second round voting in November, and will come in power at the beginning of January 2012. There was a slight economic recovery in 2011, due to the rise of the export and domestic demand. However, little progress had been made in the tax reform, and the country's fiscal policy was significantly influenced by the presidency election. As social development is concerned, underemployment, low level of education and high poverty remained the most highlighted issues on social reform agenda; and the new president had promised to combat against drug traffic and violent crime. Guatemala maintained close relations with the United States, Mexico and Central American countries; the occupation of a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council widened the country's foreign policy concerns. <<