The Special Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) for the Strengthening of Democratic Institutions in Guatemala concluded its inaugural visit on November 15, 2025. The mission aimed to assess the state of democracy in the country and engage with various stakeholders across the political and civil spectrum.
During the visit, which took place from November 9 to 15, the OAS Mission met with representatives from all three branches of government, the Constitutional Court, and both public and private universities, including the University of San Carlos. Discussions also involved civil society groups, Indigenous representatives, the media, and international organizations.
Participants emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming second-degree electoral processes scheduled for 2026. These elections will impact key institutions, including 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). The OAS Mission highlighted that the integrity of these processes is vital for maintaining the rule of law, judicial independence, and trust in democratic institutions.
The Mission urged all responsible entities, including the Congress of the Republic and the Supreme Court of Justice, to adhere strictly to the timelines established by Guatemalan law. It called for transparency and proper planning in the selection and appointment of officials to avoid delays that could jeopardize the continuity of constitutional order.
Particularly noteworthy is the role of the University of San Carlos, as it is the sole public and autonomous university in the country. The Mission acknowledged the university’s significant involvement in nominating commissions for high-level appointments. Concerns were raised regarding the current state of the university’s governance and its compliance with constitutional mandates, especially the need to renew its University Council to ensure legitimacy in the electoral processes.
In terms of candidate evaluation, the OAS Mission stressed the importance of utilizing robust mechanisms to assess applicants. This includes clear and transparent procedures to ensure the selection of competent and respectable individuals committed to the public interest. The Mission underscored that participation from diverse sectors is essential for overseeing these electoral processes, which should be free and fair.
A major concern raised during the discussions was the climate of fear surrounding potential candidates and participants. Many expressed apprehension about facing criminalization or smear campaigns as a result of their involvement. This atmosphere of intimidation could deter qualified individuals from participating in the electoral processes, consequently diminishing the quality of governance.
The OAS Mission conveyed its serious concern regarding these threats and called on state institutions, particularly the Public Prosecutor’s Office, to refrain from misusing criminal law or disciplinary actions to suppress participation. It emphasized the responsibility of the Office of the Human Rights Ombudsman to protect citizens from intimidation linked to their candidacies.
The Mission expressed gratitude to all authorities and organizations it engaged with during its visit, noting the valuable insights provided. It committed to continuing its support for the electoral processes leading up to 2026 and plans to return for a follow-up visit in February 2026 to further engage in dialogue and offer recommendations aligned with inter-American standards.
In closing, the Mission reaffirmed its respect for the sovereignty of Guatemala while pledging to work collaboratively with its institutions and society to enhance democracy, justice, and the rule of law. The mission was established under the leadership of OAS Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin and included prominent members such as Carlos Ayala Corao, María Paulina Aguirre Suárez, and Dr. Marcela Ríos Tobar, all of whom bring substantial legal and human rights expertise to this important initiative.
