Position about the crisis in Guatemala
British Ambassador Nick Whittingham joined other diplomats in an op-ed opposing undemocratic actions in Guatemala.
In the international context, Guatemala has been a partner and ally in the defence of democracy and world peace. Guatemala, as signatory of the Inter-American Democratic Charter of the Organization of American States (OAS), has committed to maintaining a model that defends democracy and thereby builds the social, political and economic development of its country and the hemisphere. Recent history shows us evidence of a clear and consistent position by Guatemala in support of this commitment. For example, its position in defence of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and its support for resolutions that seek a peaceful outcome to conflicts in the region.
In 2023, Guatemala held general elections. The participation of the population reflected their civic commitment, and the national and international electoral observation missions classified the Election Day as exemplary. This included the Missions of the EU and the OAS. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal confirmed that thousands of international and national observers were part of the missions, including people of recognized honourability.
At the end of the process, the results were made official by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal after the Electoral Boards concluded the procedure of the scrutiny review hearings, in compliance with their mandate. As the Magistrates have said on countless occasions, electoral results are defined at the ballot box. Accepting and respecting the results is a cornerstone of democracy, a value that Guatemala has respected and exemplified to date. The missions that have accepted the invitation of the Government of Guatemala and have been able to observe the civic celebration of the different electoral processes in this country have recognized this point.
As representatives of the governments of Germany, Canada, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Switzerland, we have followed with growing concern the attempts to silence the voice of the Guatemalan people expressed at the polls. We have witnessed the abusive judicial manipulation of the process and the results. The citizens of our countries maintain strong ties of friendship and collaboration with the people of Guatemala. They constantly and urgently express their concern about these undemocratic actions, which sometimes reflect an unacceptable manipulation of the facts.
Our duty as representatives of the democracies of our respective countries is to listen to the voice of our citizens and our authorities. On their behalf, we condemn the actions of actors in Guatemala who seek to silence the voice of the people. This voice deserves to be heard and respected. The people of Guatemala deserve more from their authorities.
We urge the three powers that make up the State of Guatemala, and in particular the Attorney General’s Office which is at the centre of this storm, to take definitive actions to ensure a transition of power that respects the fundamental principles of democracy and the will expressed by the people of Guatemala on June 25 and August 20, 2023.
Ricarda Redeker, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany
Rajani Alexander, Ambassador of Canada
Patrick H. Ventrell, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. from the United States
Odile Roussel, Ambassador of France
Nick Whittingham, Ambassador of the United Kingdom
Hans Magnusson, Ambassador of Sweden
Roger Denzer, Ambassador of Switzerland