Guatemala’s Democratic Future at Stake: Ensuring a Free and Fair Run-Off Election

Guatemala: Ensure Free, Fair Run-Off Election

Sustained International Scrutiny Remains Key Amid Attacks on Right to Vote

The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) and Human Rights Watch have called on Guatemalan authorities to ensure a free and fair run-off election on August 20, 2023. They emphasize the importance of sustained international scrutiny in safeguarding the right to vote and ensuring a peaceful transfer of power. The upcoming run-off election will feature Sandra Torres of the Unidad Nacional de la Esperanza (UNE) and Bernardo Arévalo, an anti-corruption candidate and leader of the progressive movement Semilla.

Challenges to the Right to Vote

Since the first round of presidential elections on June 25, political actors and government institutions have attempted to interfere with the election process. Parties that lost and the Attorney General’s Office have taken steps to undermine the right to vote and harass the Semilla Movement through legal maneuvers. These actions not only undermine the democratic process but also threaten the social and political stability of Guatemala.

False Claims of Fraudulent Voting

Several political parties brought a lawsuit alleging fraudulent voting had impacted the election. However, both local and international electoral observers reported no evidence of fraud or major irregularities that would call the results into question. The Constitutional Court suspended the announcement of election results on July 1, ordering a new process to challenge alleged vote irregularities. Nevertheless, authorities found no irregularities, and the Supreme Court approved the announcement of election results on July 10.

Attacks on Opposition Parties and Institutions

On July 12, the Attorney General’s Office requested the suspension of the legal registration of Semilla, alleging that the party had committed crimes in connection with the signatures gathered for its registration. However, the Constitutional Court suspended this decision on July 13, ruling that the judge could not put the August 20 election on hold. Despite this, the Attorney General’s Office conducted arbitrary raids on the offices of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal and Semilla’s headquarters. These actions demonstrate a clear infringement on the independence and credibility of Guatemala‘s institutions charged with overseeing the voting process.

The Deterioration of the Rule of Law in Guatemala

The June 25 elections occurred in a context of the deteriorating rule of law in Guatemala. The authorities have systematically barred certain opposition candidates and engaged in arbitrary criminal proceedings to create an uneven playing field. Observation missions from the Organization of American States (OAS) and the European Union have highlighted concerns about the “overjudicialization” of the election, the weakening of the rule of law, and attacks on freedom of expression.

Importance of International Oversight

The Washington Office on Latin America and Human Rights Watch stress the importance of international oversight to ensure an environment in which citizens can cast their votes freely and safely. They emphasize that foreign governments should keep a watchful eye for potential interference or violence leading up to and during election day. Additionally, they call on electoral observers from the OAS and the EU to maintain continual attention to the situation in Guatemala until the peaceful transition of power is ensured.

Protecting the Political Rights of Guatemalans

It is crucial to protect the political rights of Guatemalans beyond the election. Concerns remain about potential arbitrary action by the Attorney General’s Office against the Semilla after the elections. Sustained international pressure is needed to ensure the protection of political rights and the preservation of democracy in Guatemala.

Editorial: A Critical Moment for Democracy in Guatemala

The upcoming run-off election in Guatemala on August 20 represents a critical moment for the country’s democracy. The right to vote, the cornerstone of any democratic system, is under attack from political actors and government institutions seeking to interfere with the electoral process. The actions taken to undermine the election, such as false claims of fraudulent voting and harassment of opposition parties, pose a severe threat to the integrity of the democratic process and the stability of Guatemala.

It is imperative that Guatemalan authorities guarantee a free and fair run-off election. Citizens must have confidence that their votes will be counted accurately and that the results will be respected. This requires creating an environment where citizens can cast their votes freely and safely, and where power can be peacefully and smoothly transferred to the winner.

Sustained international scrutiny is crucial in safeguarding the right to vote and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. The observation missions from the OAS and the EU have already highlighted concerns about the deterioration of the rule of law and attacks on freedom of expression. They must continue to monitor the situation, paying particular attention to any potential interference or violence leading up to and during election day.

Foreign governments should also remain vigilant and support efforts to protect the political rights of Guatemalans. Any attempts to undermine the democratic process should be met with swift condemnation and potential repercussions. It is the responsibility of the international community to stand up for the principles of democracy and ensure that the will of the Guatemalan people is respected.

Advice: Protecting Democracy in Guatemala

To protect democracy in Guatemala, it is essential for citizens, civil society organizations, and the international community to take action. Here are some recommendations:

1. Empower Local Civil Society Organizations

Support local civil society organizations that are working to protect the rights of Guatemalan citizens and promote transparent and accountable governance. These organizations play a crucial role in monitoring and reporting any violations of democratic rights and holding authorities accountable.

2. Demand Accountability and Transparency

Hold Guatemalan authorities accountable for any attempts to undermine the democratic process. Demand transparency in the electoral process and the investigation of any allegations of fraud or irregularities. Engage with international bodies like the OAS and the EU to ensure that they continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action if necessary.

3. Support Freedom of Expression and Independent Journalism

Defend and support freedom of expression, as it is vital for a healthy democracy. Promote independent journalism and press freedom to ensure that citizens receive accurate and unbiased information about the electoral process and political developments in Guatemala.

4. Encourage International Engagement and Oversight

Urge foreign governments to remain engaged and vigilant in protecting the democratic rights of Guatemalans. Encourage them to support international observation missions and maintain pressure on Guatemalan authorities to ensure a free and fair run-off election. Any attempts to undermine the democratic process should be met with swift condemnation and potential repercussions.

Overall, the upcoming run-off election in Guatemala represents a crucial test for the country’s democracy. It is imperative that Guatemalan authorities, with the support of the international community, ensure a free and fair electoral process and uphold the democratic rights of all citizens. The future of democracy in Guatemala depends on it.

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