OAS Special Mission for the Strengthening of Democratic Institutions in Guatemala Concludes Visit

Press Release

OAS Special Mission for the Strengthening of Democratic Institutions in Guatemala Concludes Visit

The Special Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) for the Strengthening of Democratic Institutions in Guatemala today concluded its first official visit to the country, conducted from November 9 to 15, 2025. During the week, the Mission held meetings with authorities from the three branches of government, the Constitutional Court, the University of San Carlos and private universities, students, the Bar and Notaries Association, women's organizations and other civil society groups, representatives of Indigenous peoples, the private sector, the media, and the international community.

In all of these exchanges, participants underscored the central importance of the second-degree electoral processes that will take place in 2026-for the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), the Constitutional Court (CC), the Public Prosecutor's Office (MP), and the Office of the Comptroller General of Accounts (CGC)-for the preservation of the rule of law, judicial independence, democracy, the fight against corruption, and the trust of the Guatemalan people in their institutions.

The Mission stressed the importance of ensuring that the selection and appointment processes for these high offices are carried out in strict compliance with the deadlines established in the Guatemalan Constitution and legislation. It urged all responsible bodies-including the Congress of the Republic, the Supreme Court of Justice, the Constitutional Court, the nominating commissions, the Bar and Notaries Association (CANG), and the universities-to conduct the processes with proper planning, avoiding actions that could delay the timely renewal of institutions or create uncertainty regarding the continuity of constitutional order.

In this regard, the Mission encouraged all entities responsible for appointing members to the nominating commissions, as well as the bodies that will elect officials, to do so based on criteria of competence, independence, and integrity, as these are essential to selecting authorities with professional merit, ethical standards, and a commitment to the public interest.

Given that the University of San Carlos of Guatemala (USAC) is the country's only public and autonomous university, it plays a key role in several of the nominating commissions and appointment processes for high-level authorities. The Mission took note of the University's responsibility to contribute to strengthening the rule of law and democracy, as well as of the concerns expressed by various sectors regarding the current situation of its University Council, the expiration of mandates for several of its governing bodies, and the internal climate for academic freedom and student participation.

The Mission emphasized the importance of USAC promptly regularizing and renewing its University Council in accordance with the Constitution, the law, and the ruling of the Constitutional Court, so that its participation in the upcoming 2026 processes enjoys legitimacy within the university community and Guatemalan society at large.

Equally important are the mechanisms that the nominating commissions will use to evaluate candidates, including the grading table, which must responsibly assess the suitability and integrity of applicants.

Based on the information gathered, the Mission considers it essential that each stage of the selection processes be guided by clear, public, transparent, and verifiable procedures aimed at identifying and selecting the most qualified, capable, and honorable individuals.

The Mission also underscored the importance of the participation of all sectors-including civil society organizations, Indigenous peoples, women's organizations, journalists, and academia-in overseeing these processes, in accordance with the law.

The Mission highlighted the need for candidates to participate freely so that the most qualified individuals can be chosen. A recurring concern expressed to the Mission was the fear-among potential candidates, members of nominating commissions, lawyers, academics, human rights defenders, and other key actors-of being subjected to criminalization, smear campaigns, judicial harassment, or attacks on social media as a consequence of their participation in these processes.

Some sectors also conveyed apathy and disillusionment, perceiving that "doing things right" may carry high personal costs, including the risk of exile or persecution.

In light of this, the Mission expressed serious concern over these manifestations of fear, which could discourage qualified individuals from participating and weaken the quality of future authorities. It called on all State institutions-particularly the Public Prosecutor's Office-to refrain from misusing criminal law, disciplinary or administrative actions, or stigmatizing campaigns as tools to inhibit participation or punish independent decision-making.

The Mission believes that the State, and particularly the Office of the Human Rights Ombudsman, must provide protection to citizens against attacks and threats arising from their candidacies or the lawful decisions they make as members of the nominating commissions.

The Mission expressed its gratitude to all the authorities, organizations, and individuals it met with for their active participation and for providing valuable information that contributed to its work.

The Mission will continue to accompany the 2026 processes closely and constructively, and will conduct a follow-up visit in February 2026 to continue its dialogue and formulate recommendations based on inter-American standards and comparative best practices.

Finally, the Mission reiterated its respect for the sovereignty of the State of Guatemala and its commitment to work with Guatemalan institutions and society in their efforts to strengthen democracy, justice, and the rule of law.

The Special Mission for the Strengthening of Democratic Institutions in Guatemala was appointed by the OAS Secretary General, Albert R. Ramdin, at the invitation of the Government of Guatemala, under the mandate of OAS General Assembly Resolution OEA/AG/RES. 2766 (XLIII-O/13) on the Promotion and Strengthening of Democracy. The Mission is composed of Carlos Ayala Corao, attorney specializing in constitutional law and human rights, current President of the International Commission of Jurists and former President of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR); María Paulina Aguirre Suárez, attorney and magistrate, former President of the National Court of Justice of Ecuador; and Dr. Marcela Ríos Tobar, Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean of International IDEA and former Minister of Justice and Human Rights of Chile.

Reference: E-076/25