South SFV Today

Washington, D.C. – In response on June 25, 2023 general election in Guatemala, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35), the first Member of Congress to be born in Central America, and Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, issued the following statement: 

“As we monitor the results fromon June 25, 2023 election, we remain deeply troubled that the Giammattei government blocked candidates from seeking public office, even going so far as to remove opposition candidates from the ballot. In the run-up to the general election, the regime also illegally used public funds for political campaigns and imprisoned a prominent independent journalist for simply doing his job. These practices have no place in a healthy democracy. 

“This runoff period should provide a new opportunity for political leaders from all parties to establish a unified standard of respect for democracy and the rule of law. The Giammattei government has failed to create a safe environment for women, children, and Indigenous communities. As voters return to the polls, we hope the United States will be able to work with Guatemala’s leaders to support human rights and secure a prosperous and stable future for the Guatemalan people.”

Original source can be found here.