Guatemala City, by Daniel Coromac -AGN- The President of Guatemala, Alejandro Giammattei, addressed the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States -OAS-.
At a protocolary session, the representatives of the Americas received the President of Guatemala. During his address, he recalled that in 2021, he inaugurated the 51st session of the OAS General Assembly.
The meeting was scheduled in Guatemala City, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was held virtually from Washington under the slogan ‘Towards Renewal in the Americas:’
The president stated, “Guatemala’s firm position on the Russian invasion of Ukraine is unwavering. Guatemala has been an ally of Ukraine by denouncing the attacks at the international level.”
Elections and transition
President Giammattei reminded the audience that his administration provided all the necessary resources to develop the 2023 general elections in Guatemala. The competencies of this power of government included deploying security and using school facilities as voting centers.
After the official announcement of the results, the president ordered the provision of security services. He also indicated that he congratulated the president-elect.
Regarding the transition process, he mentioned, “Since January 2023, my government has worked on a systematized and transparent methodology to carry out a transition process with the contender that was elected.”
President Alejandro Giammattei mentioned that, regardless of meetings and information delivery, the transition process was suspended on the part of the elected team. However, he pointed out that he requested the accompaniment and mediation of the OAS for its continuation. He referred to the fact that the demonstrations and roadblocks affected constitutional guarantees and the economy.
The OAS was present throughout the electoral and transition process. The process for each agency’s meetings and the delivery of the Transition Report continued with the support of the OAS observation mission.
Separation of Powers
President Giammattei stated that Guatemala respects the separation of powers. He reiterated that he would continue to respect the functions of each agency and emphasized to the nations of the Americas that Guatemala was a democratic country.
Transition of power
“I want to stress the obligation of the different institutions of the State to endorse the orders of the Constitutional Court.” He said.
In these words, the President reiterated that the handover of power will take place under the constitutional principle of alternation in power. The transmission of power will take place this Sunday, January 14.
He also urged fellow countries to join in solving problems such as climate change, drug trafficking, irregular migration, and food security in the hemisphere.
Finally, he concluded by thanking the Permanent Council of the OAS and inviting the nations to witness the leadership change.
According to the president, “There is no need to call for the democratic charter in a democratic country; there is no need because the facts simply speak for themselves, and you will be participants next January 14, when we hand over power to the president-elect.”
