Guatemala’s legislative blocs reshuffle as lawmakers seek re-election in 2027

Guatemala’s Congress is being reshaped by lawmakers changing blocs as they prepare for the 2027 electoral contest. The moves could keep several political groups in play, even as some risk disappearing if they fail to secure representation in the legislature.

During the second ordinary legislative period, congressional blocs confirmed the arrival of lawmakers, many from the departments, who previously belonged to politically questioned parties. Vamos has suffered the largest loss of members, with legislators moving toward the National Unity of Hope (UNE), Unionista and Cabal as they seek to remain in Congress.

Unionista, led by Álvaro Arzú Escobar, began 2024 with two lawmakers. A group led by Adim Maldonado and Napoleón Rojas Alarcón could bring at least four more legislators into the bloc. Comunidad Elefante, which also started the legislature with two members, has added at least three lawmakers from Vamos.

The Nosotros bloc, led by Rudy Guzmán, has held one seat but is seeking to double its presence after Víctor Valenzuela of Vamos and Miguel Ovalle of UNE joined the party. Bienestar Nacional, known as Bien, began with three seats and has added lawmakers from Vamos, UNE and Elefante.

Other groups are also shifting. Todos received a former member of the official bloc, while Victoria accepted Vivian Preciado but lost two representatives. Visión con Valores recovered four members after previously losing them, bringing in lawmakers from Vamos and Nosotros. New blocs called Firmes and Raíces have also emerged, formed by lawmakers from several parties and dissidents from the official bloc.