The Special Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) for the Strengthening of Democratic Institutions in Guatemala concluded its third official visit to the country, carried out from March 24 to 27, 2026, as part of its mandate to provide technical accompaniment to the second-degree election processes.
During this visit, the Mission observed activities related to the election process for the Attorney General and Head of the Public Prosecutor's Office, and held meetings with authorities from the Executive Branch, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), the Supreme Court of Justice, and the Presidential Commission for Peace and Human Rights. It also engaged in dialogue with legal experts, representatives of the business and professional sectors, civil society organizations, international cooperation agencies, and the media.
Upon the inauguration of the new magistrates of the TSE, the Mission extends its best wishes for success in the exercise of their high responsibilities. The strengthening of the TSE will be decisive for public trust, electoral integrity and the proper preparation of upcoming democratic processes, which is why the Mission encourages the new authorities to carry out their duties with technical competence, independence, openness, and strict adherence to the constitutional and legal framework.
Likewise, the Mission welcomes the swearing-in, before the Congress of the Republic, of the magistrates of the Ninth Term of the Constitutional Court (CC) and expresses its expectation that the inauguration scheduled for April 14 will proceed normally, without obstacles or interference that could affect institutional normality and continuity. The orderly and timely renewal of the CC is indispensable for the stability of the constitutional order and the legal certainty in the country.
Regarding the election of the Rector of the University of San Carlos of Guatemala (USAC), scheduled for April 8, the Mission considers it essential that the process reach that date with all electoral bodies duly accredited, integrated and fully exercising their functions, so that the election may be held with full participation, legality, and certainty. Given USAC's special role in the Guatemalan constitution system and its assigned responsibilities, the complete and proper composition of the electoral bodies is a necessary condition for reducing the risks of challenges and strengthen the legitimacy of the result.
As for the election process of the Attorney General and Head of the Public Prosecutor's Office, the Mission deems it fundamental that the Nominating Committee deepen its substantive, objective and documented deliberation on the candidates' careers, professional merits, integrity, suitability, and the objections or challenges filed against them, as well as the defense evidence presented by the individuals in question. A decision of such significance requires a serious, well-reasoned and verifiable evaluation, that does not consist of mere formal compliance with procedural steps but rather allows the public to clearly understand the reasons underlying the selection of the final shortlist.
The Mission expresses its appreciation for the cooperation provided by the authorities and by the various sectors with which it held meetings during this third visit. It also reiterates its willingness to continue accompanying, within the framework of its mandate and based on the inter-American standards, efforts aimed at strengthening the legality, transparency, legal certainty, and legitimacy of the institutional processes in Guatemala.
Reference: E-039/26
