Guatemalan President-elect Bernardo Arévalo has accused powerful groups within the country’s justice system of attempting to stage an “ongoing coup” against him. Arévalo made these allegations during a press conference, where he claimed that these groups, led by the country’s Attorney General, were trying to break the constitutional order and violate democracy. He specifically named Attorney General Consuelo Porras as being involved in these actions.
The Public Ministry is currently investigating allegations that Arévalo’s party, Movimiento Semilla, used forged signatures when seeking authorization as a political party. However, Semilla has denied these allegations and accused authorities of trying to keep Arévalo out of power. In response to Arévalo’s claims, the Public Ministry stated that it is respectful of the opinions of all citizens and its main function is to investigate the matter.
Before the presidential elections, the Public Ministry had stated that its intention was not to disqualify any candidate, but rather to comply with the law. Arévalo and his party have filed several appeals to assert his right to govern Guatemala for the next four years and demand that the election result be respected.
Interestingly, the legal status of the Movimiento Semilla party was provisionally canceled by the Citizens’ Registry just hours before the party’s victory in the runoff was officially announced by the court. Additionally, the Board of Directors of Congress declared both the current and elected deputies under the Semilla banner as independent, preventing them from integrating the Board of Directors, participating in work commissions, and representing Guatemala abroad.
The situation remains tense as Arévalo and his party continue to fight for their right to govern and accuse powerful groups within the justice system of trying to undermine democracy in Guatemala. The investigation into the allegations of forged signatures and the actions of the Attorney General will likely play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this political dispute.