Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador, Sir Ronald Sanders, has been appointed as one of many 5 Ambassadors representing the Everlasting Council of the Group of American States (OAS) on the inauguration of Bernardo Arevalo because the President of Guatemala on January 14, 2024. President Arevalo’s election came about on August 20, 2023, following a run-off contest with Sandra Torres.
All through the election course of, challenges have arisen because the Public Ministry, led by the Legal professional Normal and a Public Prosecutor, tried to disqualify Arevalo and his Semilla Get together, alleging fraudulent registration. Ambassador Sanders, who served because the Chairman of the OAS Everlasting Council till December 31, 2023, performed a vital function in monitoring occasions in Guatemala. Final month, he visited Guatemala alongside OAS Secretary-Normal Luis Almagro for high-level discussions with the nation’s outgoing President, Alejandro Giammattei, representatives of the Structure Court docket, and Vice-President-elect Karin Herrera.
Ambassador Sanders, together with Ambassadors from Brazil, El Salvador, Mexico, and the US, will have interaction in conferences with a cross-section of Guatemalan authorities, together with political events, the non-public sector, and non-governmental organizations, forward of the inauguration of President Arevalo.
“It is a troublesome time for Guatemala,” said Ambassador Sanders. “The controversy initiated by the Public Ministry in opposition to Arevalo and his occasion is serving to destabilize the brand new authorities earlier than it begins. The OAS upholds the desire of the voters as freely expressed on the poll field. It is a fundamental tenet of the Group, and it explains why we’re taking such a eager curiosity in being current to watch the set up of the brand new government.”
Regardless of the upcoming inauguration, Ambassador Sanders expressed concern that the claims and actions of the Public Ministry may persist after the brand new authorities is put in, doubtlessly resulting in instability and rigidity within the nation. “All of this,” he stated, “is why the OAS stays vigilant in Guatemala.”
The OAS reaffirms its dedication to supporting democratic processes and guaranteeing the integrity of elections in member nations. Ambassador Sanders and the opposite members of the OAS Everlasting Council workforce will intently monitor the scenario in Guatemala, emphasizing the significance of upholding democratic ideas and preserving the soundness of the nation.
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