The process was marked by decisions of the Supreme Court of Elections (TSE) and judicial bodies that disqualified applicants, explained the head of the Community Caucus, Jordi Cañas.
The initial report on the EU mission’s work warned that the elections took place in a context of a serious deterioration of the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, as well as serious restrictions on freedom of expression and the press.
Cañas considered that the large number of invalid votes should be a reflection of the country’s political and judicial institutions to deepen democracy.
He explained that grievances and resentments are a product of the popular will, so it is a fact that must be taken into consideration.
However, the document highlighted that Guatemalans demonstrated their unwavering commitment to democracy and civic values, by going to the polls to express their will on an election day well organized by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal.
The mission, made up of more than 120 observers spread throughout the territory of Central America, praised the large influx of citizens in the polling stations, especially young people and women who came to vote in an atmosphere of serenity and civility.
He explained that Guatemala faces great challenges, but also that its citizens have an unquestioned democratic spirit.
Some 9.3 million residents of this nation were called to the polls last Sunday to select a new president, vice president, 160 deputies, 340 mayors and 20 deputies in the Central American Parliament for the period from 2024 to 2028.
After the vote count, which is not yet over (98.27 percent), but with an irreversible trend, presidential candidates Sandra Torres, of National Unity of Hope, and Bernardo Arevalo, of Seed, advanced to the second round on August 20.
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