Guatemala Rejects Ortega's Plan to Abolish Elections in Nicaragua

The government of Guatemala has formally expressed its "rejection" of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega's recent pronouncements regarding the abolition of elections and the elimination of democratic alternation in Nicaragua. Ortega, who has been in power since 2007, stated at a rally commemorating the 47th anniversary of the Sandinista revolution that "elections will not happen here again so that they (the opposition) can try to capture the government, capture power."

Guatemala's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement characterizing Ortega's assertion as a "grave violation" of fundamental principles enshrined in the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Inter-American Democratic Charter, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The statement also highlighted the breach of democratic principles and universal suffrage.

The administration of Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo de León warned that suppressing electoral processes eliminates any possibility of power alternation, restricts citizens' political rights, and undermines the rule of law. This rejection from Guatemala aligns with criticism from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, and responses from countries including the United States, Panama, and Costa Rica.

Guatemala conveyed its support for the citizens of Nicaragua, demanding the reinstatement of democratic guarantees. The Foreign Ministry concluded by expressing solidarity with the Nicaraguan people and calling for full respect for freedoms of expression, association, and political participation, which are deemed essential for a democratic society capable of holding periodic, free, and fair elections.