What to look for in the corruption case against country’s embattled top official

President Otto Perez Molina has resigned amid a corruption scandal after a judge issued an order to detain him in the case.

Here’s what to look for as the case moves forward: How will the legal case proceed?

Timetables for criminal prosecutions are spelled out by Guatemalan law. For example, after Perez Molina appears before a judge following his detention order, prosecutors have three months to present evidence for a judge to order a trial. However, there are often significant delays due to legal manoeuvres, and it usually takes about a year to bring a suspect to trial. That could differ for Perez Molina depending on whether his case is linked to that of other suspects in the corruption probe. The courts could also freeze his assets, as has happened with former vicepresident Roxana Baldetti. What does it all mean for Sunday’s election?

Not much, apparently. Political analyst Oscar Pelaez Almengor says the legal process against Perez Molina has “no effect” on the vote because elections are mandated by the constitution and overseen by the supreme electoral court, not the presidency. So it looks highly unlikely that protesters’ demands to postpone the vote will be met.

However, widespread anger over corruption and dissatisfaction with the current candidates could lead many to abstain or cast spoiler votes, undermining the eventual winner’s mandate.