Guatemalan court suspends leftist party that advanced to the second round of presidential elections

The political situation in Guatemala is becoming increasingly tense. In addition to contested elections, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has decided to suspend a political party that had advanced to the presidential runoff.

Since the June 25 elections were held in the Central American country, Guatemalans have been waiting for the outcome of the future of their nation. First, the Constitutional Court decided to suspend the results of the first round of elections, and although after several days of delay, the election results were finally announced, almost simultaneously, it was reported that the Seed Movement was suspended.

The political party led by Bernardo Arévalo had obtained the second place of votes to advance to the second round to be held on August 20. However, Guatemala’s Special Prosecutor’s Office against Impunity reported that the Seed Movement was suspended, alleging that the party was constituted with false signatures.

Arevalo denies accusations

The presidential candidate assured that the accusations against the Seed Movement are false and that it is all about a “desperate action of a criminal political group that realizes that its days are numbered in terms of control over political power.”

Arevalo described the suspension as a “technical coup d'état” and assured that he will take legal action since the electoral law does not allow a party to be suspended after the elections.

The United States reacts

Following the suspension, U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller issued a statement stressing that the U.S. is “deeply concerned” about recent events in Guatemala.

“These actions put at risk the legitimacy of the electoral process at the core of Guatemala’s democracy, which should be advanced and upheld consistent with Guatemala’s constitution and the Inter-American Democratic Charter,” Miller said.

International Organizations

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also spoke about the attempt to influence the runoff election and called for fairness to be maintained and the right to vote and be elected to be protected.

The European Union didn’t remain silent and expressed concern over the “continued efforts to alter the electoral results” in Guatemala.

“The EU reiterates its call to all Guatemalan institutions to fully respect the integrity of the electoral process and the outcome of the first round of voting, which has been closely followed by national and international observers,” the international organization said.