Guatemala’s President-Elect Calls for Legal Chiefs to Resign

Bernardo Arévalo, the next President of Guatemala, wants the country’s top legal authorities to resign.

He spoke at a press conference. Arévalo accuses Attorney General Consuelo Porras, prosecutor Rafael Curruchiche, and Judge Fredy Orellana of risking democracy.

Arévalo also stopped his own transition to the presidency set for January 2024. This comes after a search at the election ballot storage site.

The President-elect said the search broke the rules for handling votes.

He claims these officials aim to create an unfolding coup. Arévalo urges them to leave their posts right away. He says they must stop acting against the constitution.

The future leader believes their quitting will restore rule of law. He plans to take legal action against them.

This includes charges against other people in the Special Prosecutor’s Office.

Outgoing President Alejandro Giammattei regrets Arévalo’s decision. But he’s open to resume the transition when asked.

Arévalo won against Sandra Torres in a surprising runoff. Earlier, some parties claimed voter fraud. Despite these claims, the election results stand firm.

The U.S. labeled the ballot search unprecedented. It said this act hurts Guatemala’s shift to democracy.

Both the Organization of American States and the European Union criticized the events. They ask for respect for the election outcome.

Irma Palencia, head of the Election Tribunal, found the ballot box opening troubling. She confirmed that the final vote tally won’t change.

Background

Arévalo belongs to the social-democratic party. This party aims for a balanced mix of social welfare and market economics.

His win symbolizes a shift in Guatemalan politics. The outgoing president, Giammattei, leans conservative. This reflects a public desire for new leadership approaches.

Legal tensions aren’t new in Guatemala. The country has a history of political instability. The nation has seen its share of unrest from military rule to corruption.