In the run-up to the general elections, scheduled to take place in Guatemala on 25 June, the European Union notes with concern repeated decisions on exclusion of electoral candidacies.  

The EU reiterates its call on the Guatemalan authorities to ensure that candidate registrations are not obstructed and any dispute raised is promptly processed in full transparency, impartiality and in compliance with the Guatemalan Constitution, in order to offer citizens a genuine choice on the Election Day and ensure respect for the right to stand as a candidate. This is fundamental to guarantee the integrity, inclusiveness and competitiveness of the electoral process, which the EU Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) hopes to witness.

The EU has decided to deploy this mission in response to an invitation by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) and as part of the EU’s commitment to continue its support for democracy and the rule of law in Guatemala. The EOM will independently observe and carry out an assessment of the entire electoral process in the light of the international and regional standards Guatemala has subscribed to.