Debate: Guatemala: the situation after the elections, the rule of law and judicial independence
Date: WEDNESDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER 2023
Speaker: Elisa Ferreira
Language: EN

The European Union remains fully committed to supporting democracy in Guatemala, even more so after the people of Guatemala expressed their will so clearly in the latest elections.  The decision of High Representative Borrell, supported by the European Parliament and the Council, to deploy a European Union election observation mission to observe on site the electoral process in Guatemala proved to be the right decision given the context in which the elections took place.  It is also important to highlight that the European Union election observation mission, as is always the case, was deployed at the invitation of the Guatemalan authorities.  I also want to underline the contribution of this European Union election observation mission, led by Chief Observer Jordi Cañas, to enhancing citizens’ trust in the process.  The preliminary statement of the election observation mission confirmed that the two election days on 25 June and 20 August were well organised. The outcome of the presidential election in Guatemala is clear. Citizens expressed their will in the ballots. The election results were certified by the country’s highest electoral authority, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, and were celebrated by many Guatemalans all over the country. The European Union, including High Representative Borrell personally, congratulated President-Elect Mr Bernardo Arévalo on his convincing victory.  Nevertheless, the European Union has serious concerns over persistent attempts to undermine the election results through selective and arbitrary legal and procedural actions that are not in line with the international and regional standards Guatemala has subscribed to.  The recent raids carried out by the Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Impunity in the offices of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, as well as the seizure of computer material related to the transmission of preliminary election results are unacceptable. These unwarranted actions followed the official announcement of the election results by the TSE, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, on the 28 August.  The European Union reiterates its call on all Guatemalan institutions and branches of government to fully respect the outcome of the elections as certified by the country’s highest electoral authority and urges to refrain from any actions that could undermine these results or jeopardise a peaceful and orderly transition. This is crucial to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition and preserve political, social and economic stability in Guatemala for years to come.  The European Union remains deeply concerned over the serious deterioration of the rule of law and judicial independence in Guatemala. Over 30 independent judges, prosecutors and investigators fighting impunity have left the country due to constant intimidation and persecution.  Most recently, the European Union condemned the arrest of Ms Claudia Gonzalez, a former official of the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala.  The European Union is a long-standing partner of Guatemala and will continue to support democracy, the rule of law and sustainable development in the country.