Months ago, Guatemalans freely exercised our right to vote, electing those who will govern for the next four years.
Between the election and the inauguration on January 14, 2024, which is when the transition of power concludes and the new elected authorities take office, many events have occurred. From the normal procedures that must be followed for elected authorities to familiarize themselves with the institutions they will lead (this is the transition period), to criminal investigations and other events that jeopardize our republican and democratic system, as well as the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
Each of the constitutional events, as well as the events that have characterized this unique transition process in the history of the Republic, can be found on the timeline of the "From Election to Transition" tool.
What is the "From Election to Transition" tool?
This tool oversees public power (the institutions and actors involved) from the beginning of the electoral process, during the transition process, until the inauguration date of the elected authorities, through a timeline. This will be constantly updated to provide accurate information to all citizens about the events and legal actions that have taken place during the transition process.
This oversight ensures that citizens observe and demand that all actions of public entities adhere to the legal, impartial, and reliable principles of our country's republican system.
This means that all decisions and actions of public entities must be fully constitutional, protect the Republic of Guatemala, and guarantee compliance with all republican principles that protect the freedoms and rights of citizens. Some of these principles are:
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Alternation in power
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Transparency of government actions
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Checks and Balances
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Rule of Law
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Equality before the law
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Citizen Sovereignty
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Limitation of public power
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Separation of powers
Background
The 2023 electoral and transition process in Guatemala has been the most judicialized process in the country's democratic era. The uncertainty of the people regarding the inauguration, which must take place on January 14 for the protection of the Republic and all the rights and freedoms of citizens, has weakened the country's institutional framework.
Why is it important?
Citizen participation is essential for the protection of the democratic Republic in Guatemala. For this reason, we introduced the “From Election to Transition” tool. Promoting transparency so that all citizens are informed about what is happening regarding the transition of power and the safeguarding of the purity of the electoral process will allow for the protection of the Republic and its citizens.
Understanding the transition process in detail, as well as the various challenges the country has faced throughout this electoral process, is indispensable for every Guatemalan to comprehend the importance of complying with constitutional laws that protect the Republic and all its citizens. Once prepared, citizens can participate in the necessary demands to ensure the transition of power and the transparency of all governmental entities. A clear example of citizen participation is formed by our members of the National Civic Movement, whose focus is on discussing what the Republic is and the how and why of the importance of protecting it.
A characteristic of the Guatemalan Republic is the factor of democratically electing authorities. This political system, like the Republic, defends the sovereignty of citizens and their right to participate in political and non-political events. The main representation of democracy occurs in elections to determine the ideal representatives for specific sectors of a country —mayoralties and deputations— and for all citizens of a country —presidential ticket—.
For this reason, it is necessary to protect the electoral results and to protect the republican model and democratic election of the country by ensuring the transition of power and the inauguration of the candidates elected in August 2023 by all Guatemalan voters.
Only the brave are capable of fighting for the respect of the rights of all citizens equally
It is important to recognize that the protection of the Republic and the demand for a transition of power transcends personal tastes, ideologies, and preferences. For this reason, we must fight for laws to be enforced and for the elected candidates to take office on January 14.
Let's not lose sight of the goal: there must be a transition of power!
Learn more about "From Election to Transition" at mcn.org.gt and, together, let's write the new chapter in Guatemala's history.