25 Jul 2023 | 08:43 AM UTC
Guatemala: Protests likely to continue nationwide as of July 25 amid election uncertainty /update 2
Protests likely to continue across Guatemala as of July 25 amid election uncertainty. Tight security, disruptions likely.
Event
Protests are likely across Guatemala as of July 25 amid uncertainty ahead of the Aug. 20 run-off election. On July 13, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (Tribunal Supremo Electoral, TSE) reversed the ban that a judge ordered against the opposition Movimento Semilla party on July 12. The judge’s order came shortly after the TSE validated the results from the first round of the June 25 presidential election, which cleared Movimiento Semilla's candidate Bernardo Arevalo to participate in the Aug. 20 runoff against Sandra Torres of the National Unity of Hope (Unidad Nacional de Esperanza, UNE) party.
Protests involving hundreds of activists have taken place July 23 and 24 in Guatemala City at Plaza del Constitucion and the University Cultural Center at the University of San Carlos of Guatemala. Demonstrations also happened in Santa Cruz del Quiche in front of the departmental government building.
Further legal challenges to Arevalo’s campaign are possible in the coming weeks. Associated protests are likely near government buildings nationwide, particularly in Guatemala City, over the coming days. Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely near protest sites. Clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out.
Context
The Guatemalan presidential elections have been marked by numerous disqualifications of opposition candidates, as well as the July 1 order for the TSE to investigate the validity of the first round of elections. Outside election observers have reported no significant voting irregularities. The run-off election will be a contest between Sandra Torres of the National Unity of Hope (Unidad Nacional de Esperanza, UNE) party, broadly seen as being friendly to the incumbent president Alejandro Giammattei, and Aravelo.
Advice
Avoid all protests. If clashes occur, immediately take shelter in a secure, nongovernment building. Heed the directives of authorities. Monitor local news sources for further information.
