The Nobel Women’s Initiative condemns attempts to prevent a just transition of power and calls on the international community to support the people of Guatemala in protecting democracy.
Bernardo Arévalo’s win is historic. The previous government has long faced allegations of mass corruption, human rights violations, persecution of journalists and civil society, and inaction in the face of growing gang violence. The people’s call for a new future rang loud and clear in the election. Attempts to invalidate the election were launched within hours, including the removal of voting records, suspension of activities of the party represented by the President, and targeting of opposition leaders and activists under politically motivated charges.
At this critical juncture for democracy, rights and stability in Guatemala and the region Nobel Women’s Initiative (NWI) stands in solidarity with the people of Guatemala and calls on the international community to do the same. We join the people’s call for the resignation of government officials leading efforts to prevent a democratic transfer of power: Guatemalan General Attorney Consuelo Porras; the Special Prosecutor Against Impunity (FECI) Rafael Curruchiche, and Judge Fredy Orellana. Democracy must be respected and the democratically elected President must be sworn in.
Nobel Women’s Initiative (NWI) endorses the Statement of Nobel Laureate Rigoberta Menchú Tum issued on October 8, 2023 shared below in Spanish and English.
Read Nobel Laureate Rigoberta Menchú Tum Statement in English.
Read Nobel Laureate Rigoberta Menchú Tum Statement in Spanish.
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