US concerned over efforts to 'undermine’ Guatemala's democracy

By Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US congratulated Bernardo Arevalo on Tuesday for being elected as Guatemala’s next president while expressing concern over "continued actions by those who seek to undermine Guatemala’s democracy.”

"On behalf of the United States, we again congratulate Bernardo Arevalo on his election as the next president of Guatemala, as confirmed by the vote results certified on Aug. 28," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. "We salute the people of Guatemala for making their voices heard, and we applaud the many officials and volunteers whose dedication made these elections possible."

However, "the United States remains concerned with continued actions by those who seek to undermine Guatemala’s democracy. Such anti-democratic behavior, including efforts by the Public Ministry and other actors to suspend the president-elect’s political party and intimidate election authorities, undercuts the clear will of the Guatemalan people and is inconsistent with the principles of the Inter-American Democratic Charter," Blinken added

The US stands with its partners in the international community and with the Guatemalan people against "these unacceptable efforts, including the use of prosecutorial powers against those who seek transparency and accountability," he stressed.

Arevalo surprised many when he beat conservative candidate Sandra Torres and swept the presidential elections on Sunday.

The 64-year-old center-left son of a former president took second place in the first round of the elections on June 25, surpassing the four candidates who were leading in polls.

Two months later, the anti-corruption crusader, who has promised to break away from the traditional political class, won with 58% of the vote.

However, another government body ordered a temporary suspension of all activities of his Movimiento Semilla, or Seed Movement party which led to uncertainty about his presidency.