World Notes GUATEMALA

The first peaceful transition of power from one civilian leader to another in Guatemala's history was set in motion last week by the selection of a candidate to represent the ruling Christian Democratic Party in the 1990 presidential election. Early returns showed the winner was former Foreign Minister Alfonso Cabrera Hidalgo, President Vinicio Cerezo's handpicked candidate, with 60% of the vote.

The electoral achievement was spiced by a titillating sideshow. Among the candidates was Raquel Blandon, President Cerezo's wife. Although the Cerezos have discreetly been maintaining separate residences for more than a year, Blandon's run for office put an added strain on their complicated domestic arrangement. Their marriage has reportedly been tested by Cerezo's much rumored dalliances with other women.

Blandon denied that her candidacy was a ploy to embarrass and punish her husband. "I know he has a reputation for being woman crazy, but this is Latin America," she said. "Such things are not as shocking here." Although Blandon stood to take only about 8% of the vote, there are signs that Cabrera may tap the First Lady to be his running mate.