Guatemala City, by Julio Morales -AGN- The administration of President Alejandro Giammattei reaffirms the support for the work of the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States -OAS- in ensuring a democratic electoral process in the country.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs -Minex- provided details to the OAS Permanent Council. Mario Búcaro, Guatemalan Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed gratitude for the Secretariat’s support for strengthening democracy through the OAS Electoral Observation Mission.
In his statement, the diplomat also highlighted the technical assistance the European Union Electoral Observation Mission -EOM- provided during the pre-electoral stage, especially the support provided since the first round.
Minister Búcaro stated, “I am confident that the second round will be of great significance and relevance with this ethos; the work that the EOM carries out will not be undermined.”
In addition, Búcaro emphasized that the government will continue to work towards the second round of elections on August 20.
OAS Cooperation
Regarding the second round, the minister said: “President Alejandro Giammattei has proposed to the Secretary-General the continuity of the organization’s cooperation as a token of our good faith and democratic commitment in my country.”
In this context, Guatemalan authorities emphasized that their efforts will continue once the Supreme Electoral Tribunal -TSE- officially confirms the winning candidate until the transfer of power on January 14, 2024.
The Guatemalan Foreign Minister added, “The President of Guatemala has been committed to consolidating democracy, the rule of law, the separation of powers, and institutionality.”
He mentioned that Guatemala would continue to respect the role of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal as the highest authority in electoral affairs, of the Public Ministry as responsible for the criminal proceedings, and of the Judiciary as the one in charge of administering justice.
Assistance
The authorities from Minex also noted that President Giammattei, following the duties granted by the Political Constitution of Guatemala, requested all political, economic, and social sectors to maintain a respectful dialogue in full compliance with the Constitutional order.
Minister Búcaro also expressed that Guatemala continues to work together so that citizens may vote and elect in free, trustworthy, and transparent elections.
He stated, ” Guatemala reiterates its firm commitment to democracy, urging all Guatemalans to vote in the second round of the elections, following the law, to carry out a true patriotic civic celebration.”
