MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on  Guatemala: the situation after the elections, the rule of law and judicial independence

12.9.2023 - (2023/2831(RSP))

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 144 of the Rules of Procedure

Anna Fotyga, Karol Karski, Angel Dzhambazki, Hermann Tertsch, Adam Bielan, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Witold Jan Waszczykowski, Assita Kanko, Andżelika Anna Możdżanowska, Bogdan Rzońca, Elżbieta Rafalska, Ryszard Czarnecki
on behalf of the ECR Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B9-0367/2023

NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

B9‑0375/2023

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  Guatemala: the situation after the elections, the rule of law and judicial independence

(2023/2831(RSP))

The European Parliament,

—  having regard to its previous resolutions on Guatemala,

—  having regards to statements of  EU EOM Guatemala and the Electoral Observation Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS),

—  having regard to Rule 144 of its Rules of Procedure,

 

1. whereas on Sunday 20 August, the president of the party Movimiento Semilla, Bernardo Arévalo, obtained the victory in the presidential elections in Guatemala; whereas that day the victory was confirmed by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE);
2. whereas on the same day the electoral registry ruled to suspend the legal status of the Movimiento Semilla; whereas this suspension appears to be aimed at undermining the results of the elections;

 

3. whereas on Sunday 3 September, the TSE annulled the suspension of the Movimiento Semilla party, clearing the path for Bernardo Arévalo to officially take over the presidential office;
4. whereas the party Unidad Nacional de la Esperanza (UNE) has repeatedly requested the authorities to conduct an audit to determine the validity of the results;
5. whereas during the past years, Guatemala has seen a deterioration of the rule of law, violations of human rights, lack of judicial independence and impunity in the fight against corruption - one of the main factor driving emigration from Guatemala;

 

1. Commends the people of Guatemala for making their voices heard and applauds the many officials and volunteers whose dedication made these elections possible;
2. Stresses that the international community and its relevant election observation bodies confirmed the will of the Guatemalan people; congratulates president-elect, Bernardo Arévalo, for his victory;
3. Calls on the Guatemalan authorities to conduct an impartial clarification of the existence of irregularities during the general elections;
4. Calls on the Guatemalan authorities to adopt all necessary measures to safeguard the rule of law, the respect for the democratic principles and the will of the Guatemalan people;
5. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the HR/VP of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Council of Europe and to the acting President, Government and Parliament of Guatemala.