The situation in Guatemala: report of the Secretary General

Madam Chair,

Ambassadors,

Mr. Secretary General,

Mr. Assistant Secretary General,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Allow me first to express my gratitude for the report presented by Secretary General Almagro on his recent visit to Guatemala. His words reflect the fact that we find ourselves at a moment in which questions of democratic governance and the rule of law must be addressed collectively.

I must emphasize that my country has always held that democracy and sound institutions are cornerstones of any society that aspires to justice, peace and sustainable development.

We applaud the efforts of this Organization to keep these values at the forefront of national and regional agendas.

The recent scenario in Guatemala, as we have observed, brings serious concerns to light.

For a long time there has been talk in various forums of the danger posed when the integrity of the democratic process is called into question through judicial action. When the judiciary becomes one more arena of political contest, not only is the will of the people compromised; the legitimacy of one of the institutions most fundamental to sustaining civilized coexistence and the rule of law is undermined as well.

It must be considered with the utmost seriousness that these practices are not merely isolated cases; they point to a broader phenomenon that could have negative repercussions for democratic stability and for trust in institutions in our region generally. The use of the judicial apparatus as a tool in the political arena raises doubts about the neutrality, impartiality and effectiveness of the justice system, thereby eroding the pillars on which democratic and just government is built.

In the face of this picture, the Dominican Republic, firm in its commitment to democratic ideals and the principles of the rule of law, urges a careful and balanced review of these events within the framework of our inter-American Organization, with the aim of strengthening the foundations of solid and resilient democratic governance in the Hemisphere.

Because the risk inherent in an excessive politicization of the judicial system cannot be underestimated. Public trust in the impartiality and effectiveness of the legal system can be irreparably eroded. This not only threatens the integrity of the democratic process in a single member State; it can also set a troubling precedent for other countries of our Hemisphere.

With the greatest deference to the sovereignty of any member State, and guided by respect and by the shared commitment to the democratic values that unite us in this Organization, we propose that this matter be addressed with the seriousness and prudence it deserves, in order to safeguard the integrity and resilience of our democracies.

The Dominican Republic seeks to be part of an OAS that, without losing sight of the delicate balance between intervention and respect, between criticism and neutrality, remains a stabilizing force capable of preserving and promoting the ideals that unite us.

We vehemently defend the principle that electoral processes must be free of outside interference, and that State institutions must perform their roles impartially and equitably.

I repeat: the situation in Guatemala is not only a national concern; it is a matter that concerns our region as a whole.

Lastly, on the horizon of this complex picture, the Dominican Republic maintains its unshakable optimism in human ingenuity and in respect for democracy as the central axis for overcoming crises. We express our hope that the political actors and institutions in Guatemala will be guided by the ideals on which true and transparent democracies are founded. We urge an orderly and peaceful transition that respects the popular mandate expressed at the polls, so that, when January 2024 arrives, Guatemala and the whole region of the Americas may witness a transfer of power that honors the democratic values we so cherish. Let us remember that in every difficulty an opportunity lies hidden; and it is our collective duty as members of this Organization to foster those opportunities in order to secure the well-being of our peoples.

Thank you very much.