U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Tim Kaine issued a statement regarding the ongoing judicial selection processes in Guatemala. They highlighted concerns about reports of intimidation and widespread disenfranchisement as these processes begin.
"The upcoming selection process for Guatemala’s most important institutions will play a decisive role in shaping the country’s trajectory for years to come. We are closely following today’s concerning reports of intimidation and mass disenfranchisement as the judicial selection processes in Guatemala begin and will continue following the remaining judicial selection processes in Guatemala over the next few months. It is essential that transparency and the rule of law are maintained throughout the process so that the citizens of Guatemala can continue to have faith in their democracy. Any attempt by organized criminal actors to influence the outcome of these selection processes will have negative consequences on Guatemala’s standing in the region and its relation to the United States and will deter future private investment.
“We welcome the deployment of election observation missions by the Organization of American States (OAS) and the European Union to Guatemala with the recognition that their work plays a vital role in safeguarding the integrity of these processes.”
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee, established in 1816 as one of the original standing committees, operates as a legislative body focused on international relations within the U.S. government, according to its official website. The committee develops and influences U.S. foreign policy through examining treaties and legislation, having played significant roles such as supporting measures like the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan, as well as rejecting treaties like Versailles. The Chairman leads majority members while its Ranking Member heads minority members, according to information provided on its official website.
Senators Shaheen and Kaine emphasized that maintaining transparency and upholding rule of law during Guatemala's judicial selections is crucial for sustaining democratic trust among citizens.
