A translator and teacher, Ela is interested in Latin American affairs. She writes for news website unfreemedia.
Follow her on Twitter in both English and Spanish @elastapley
Latest posts by Ela Stapley
Peru: The Peruvian Amazon
What does the Amazon mean to Peru and, in turn, Peru to it? Juan Arellano answers these questions with a brief historical summary of the Peruvian Amazon and a compilation of what some bloggers have written about the Amazon region in Peru.
Peru: Controversy Over Removal of Anonymity in Electoral Polls
A new policy preventing opinion polls from being conducted anonymously caused a storm in the press and on social networking sites. Finally, faced with a barrage of questions from the public and the press over its conduct, the National Jury of Elections was forced to retract the regulation.
El Salvador: 19 Years Since Signing of Peace Agreements
Peace accords ending a Salvadoran civil conflict were signed 19 years ago on January 16, 1992. Although Salvadorans consider the peace agreements were an accomplishment, they feel the country has not achieved the peace, stability and reconciliation that was expected.
Chile: Prison Fire Sparks Debate on Social Networking Sites
A fire in a prison in San Miguel in Santiago, Chile, which killed more than 80 prisoners after one of its towers caught fire, caused mixed reactions on social networks. The fire has opened the debate on human rights of prisoners and the media coverage of events like these.
Bolivia: When ancestors return, celebrating the ñatitas
Each year on November 8, Bolivians celebrate the festivity of the ñatitas. The ñatitas are little skulls that are taken from homes to the main cemetery of the Bolivian capital, La Paz, where an ancient ritual takes place.
Venezuela: Analysis and Reactions to Legislative Election Results
The results of the legislative elections of September 26 gave the opposition 65 seats in the National Assembly, even though they obtained the majority of the vote with 52%; while the ruling party with 48% of the vote, obtained 98 seats. The reactions to these results have been varied, and many citizens have turned to the Internet to voice their opinion and analysis through blogs and Twitter.
The Invisible Border Between Ecuador and Colombia
The Colombia-Ecuador border is once again a contentious issue. Both countries have a border of 586 km and with it a long history of conflict, mutual accusations and reports of armed conflict and displacement.
