CHC Chair and Leadership Statement on Guatemala’s Upcoming Second-Round Presidential Election
CHC Communications | Brian Garcia | brian.garcia3@mail.house.gov
Washington D.C. — Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Nanette Barragán and CHC leadership issued the following statement urging the Guatemalan government to respect the will of the people and the integrity of the electoral process.
“The Guatemalan people have a right to make their voices heard in their presidential elections without government interference. We remain troubled by efforts to meddle in a free and fair electoral process. Less than a week after the initial round of voting on June 25, Guatemala’s Constitutional Court overruled the Supreme Electoral Tribunal’s release of election results and demanded a review. There were then attempts to disqualify a leading candidate and intimidate him by sending police to raid his party’s offices. International observers, including the European Union and Organization of American States, have rightfully condemned these practices because they have no place in a healthy democracy.”
“When Guatemalans return to the polls for the runoff election on August 20th, they must be allowed to exercise their right to vote. As the runoff period continues, we urge political leaders from all parties to establish a unified standard of respect for democracy and adhere to the rule of law. We remain unwavering in our commitment to democracy and human rights, both within the Northern Triangle and across the globe.”
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