Guatemala’s Top Electoral Tribunal Overturns Party Suspension, Boosting President-Elect’s Movement
Guatemala’s top electoral tribunal has made a significant ruling by overturning the suspension of Bernardo Arevalo‘s party, providing a significant boost for the incoming president’s Movimiento Semilla. This decision comes as Arevalo prepares to assume office in 2024.
Since his surprise victory in the August 20th election, the president-elect and his party have faced numerous challenges from political opponents. Arevalo, who has pledged to enhance government spending oversight and combat corruption, has dealt with allegations of election misconduct and scrutiny regarding his party’s formation in 2018.
In a video shared on social media, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal urged the government to uphold respect for the people’s will and the effectiveness of the electoral process. As a result, the suspension has been lifted until the end of the electoral period, which concludes on October 31st.
This decision by the tribunal carries significant implications, as it enables party members to serve in Congress under their official party affiliation. Previously, the Citizens’ Registry, a division within the country’s tribunal authority, had temporarily suspended the party in late August. This move would have rendered members ineligible to serve on pivotal committees. To circumvent this issue, Congress had reclassified seven lawmakers, including Arevalo, as independents.
With his inauguration set for January 14th, Arevalo argued last week that this case is a component of illegal political persecution orchestrated by those unwilling to acknowledge that the Guatemalan citizens voted for change.
Overall, this ruling by Guatemala’s top electoral tribunal contributes to a favorable outcome for Bernardo Arevalo’s party, reinforcing the momentum behind the president-elect’s Movimiento Semilla as he prepares to assume leadership in 2024.
