Statement by the Secretary General of Community of Democracies on the Situation in Guatemala

Warsaw, October 30, 2025

The recent developments in Guatemala regarding the attempt by justice system actors to undermine the results of the Presidential election held over two years ago on 20 August 2023, constitute a severe violation of the constitutional and democratic order.

I have taken note of the communication from the Constitutional Court of Guatemala. I particularly note the Court’s critical directive that all parties must refrain from contravening constitutional provisions and reaffirm the unalterable nature of the election results, which represent the popular will of the Guatemalan people.

The Warsaw Declaration, the Community of Democracies’ founding document, clearly states the right of those duly elected to form a government, assume office and fulfill the term of office as legally established, as well as the duty of elected leaders to uphold the law and function strictly in accordance with the constitution of the country concerned and procedures established by the law (The Warsaw Declaration principles 14 and 13).

As Secretary General of the Community of Democracies, I urge the justice authorities in Guatemala to uphold the position of the Constitutional Court, to respect the sovereign will of the Guatemalan people clearly expressed at the ballot box on 20 August 2023, to refrain from any attempts to reverse the outcome of the legitimate elections, and to uphold the democratic values and principles as stated in the Warsaw Declaration, a document to which Guatemala has repeatedly stated its adherence.

I appeal to the Member States of the Governing Council of the Community of Democracies and to the Organization of American States to support the legitimate democratically elected Government of Guatemala.

I will continue to monitor the political situation in Guatemala, keeping a close watch on any developments that could jeopardize the principles of the Warsaw Declaration.