The United States ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS), Frank O. Moraurged the Government of Guatemala to fulfill its commitments under the Democratic Charter and guarantee a smooth and peaceful transition of power.
“The United States urges Guatemala to defend democratic principles, which are not negotiable. “Collaboration with regional partners is key to defending democracy and accountability”he said on social networks.
Read also: Attack on democracy: Bernardo Arévalo seeks justice before the Supreme Court
The diplomat pointed out that the intimidation of electoral officials and the Semilla party must stop. The manipulation of sealed ballot boxes is an attack on democracy and the rule of law. The United States supports OAS efforts in Guatemala for a peaceful transition to the incoming administration of Bernardo Arévalo.
Luis Almagro sets position for Guatemala
Separately, the Secretary General of the OAS, Luis Almagro, addressed the Permanent Council of said body, who established a clear position regarding the current investigation by the Special Prosecutor’s Office against Impunity (FECI), against the political party Movimiento Semilla.
“We also cannot allow a prosecutor’s office without competence in electoral issues to break anything, break the institutions and the Constitution of the country”said the secretary general, when requesting that the actions against the Semilla Movement party cease.
Almagro explained to the Permanent Council that a criminal judge has no jurisdiction in electoral matters. Therefore, the suspension of Movimiento Semilla has no legal basis, since only the Supreme Electoral Court can disqualify a political group.
The head of the OAS said that in the private meeting he held with MP personnel, they presented him with false information: “a false fact was that Seed does not want it to be investigated, and the OAS does not want it to be investigated, it is false. “Movimiento Semilla has no problems with it being investigated, but it must be done within the framework of electoral justice and the issue must come out of the FECI.”
