The Organization of American States (OAS) Permanent Council convened to discuss the current political situation in Guatemala. Ambassador Francisco O. Mora delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of democratic integrity following Guatemala's recent elections.
On June 25, Guatemalans participated in what was described as one of the most closely monitored elections in the nation's history. The electoral tribunal confirmed Sandra Torres and Bernardo Arévalo as candidates for the presidential runoff on August 20, a decision certified on July 12.
"The United States welcomes the certification of the first round of Guatemala’s election, which upholds the integrity of the electoral process and validates the will of the people of Guatemala as expressed on June 25," stated Ambassador Mora.
Concerns were raised about actions by Guatemala's Public Ministry, which allegedly threatened electoral integrity by attempting to revoke the legal status of the Semilla political party and conducting raids on party offices and those of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. These actions were criticized as undermining democracy.
"We have heard from a broad range of voices from Guatemalan society, as well as from the Inter American System, who have expressed legitimate concerns that the Public Ministry’s actions violate Guatemala’s own electoral law and basic constitutional protections," Mora added.
The ambassador stressed that Guatemalans should be able to vote without interference and warned against efforts that could undermine democratic processes.
"Let me be clear, Chair. Guatemalans deserve to vote for their preferred candidates without interference," he said. "The ongoing efforts to interfere with Guatemala’s elections threaten to undermine its democratic process."
Mora reiterated U.S. support for democratic principles in line with commitments made under the Inter-American Democratic Charter. He emphasized that genuine democracies do not interfere with citizens' rights to choose their leaders freely.
"In signing on to the Democratic Charter 20 years ago, we all established democracy as nothing less than the foundation upon which together we will build the future," he remarked.
The ambassador concluded by urging Guatemala's government to adhere to its obligations under OAS charters and allow citizens' voices to be heard in upcoming elections.