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OAS to Observe Second Round of Presidential Elections in Guatemala

The Electoral Observation Mission of the OAS in Guatemala, presided by Ambassador José Octavio Bordón, confirms that, as previously announced by Secretary General José Miguel Insulza, a delegation similar to that which observed the First Electoral Round on September 11 will be present during the Second Round. The coordinators and observers will be deployed throughout 100 percent of the country's Departments.

The EOM of the OAS understands that, beyond excessive delays in voting in some Vote Receiving Centers and the delays in delivering the results of the vote, what was both positive and noteworthy was the great number of citizens that participated, the trust placed in the national results, and the environment of peace and togetherness that characterized the elections of September 11. It is confident the authorities will reinforce the achievements of the organizers, correct errors, and overcome new difficulties.

The EOM/OAS observes that some subsequent conflicts in some Voting Centers show that the Electoral Authorities, as much as the Government and Political Parties, must be especially attentive to increasing and perfecting the security measures in those areas and others where possible conflicts can arise. At the same time, it urges candidates, party leaders and sympathizers to avoid conflictive speeches or attitudes that generate climates of confrontation that could lead to violence. Also, to actively prepare and collaborate in the work of evaluating the electoral act.

In this sense, it welcomes the acceptance by the candidates of the Patriota and Lider parties to the call made by the TSE to develop a campaign without violence and with the assumed commitment to recognize the electoral results that arise from the competent authority. It also highly values the call issued by President Alvaro Colom to the candidates to talk about the future transition and the decision by Otto Perez Molina and Manuel Baldizón to participate in this dialogue.

It underlines the need for the different administrative and electoral entities to make available the necessary material and organizational elements so that all Vote Receiving Centers and access to them may be organized under the difficult weather conditions that have provoked painful victimization and led to significant material losses.

The EOM/OAS hopes, as it has shared with the different government, electoral, and party authorities, that the difficulties in infrastructure and the risks of violence will be overcome with the greatest efficiency and solidarity, to guarantee the participation of all citizens, ratifying progress in the descentralization of the vote.

Finally, it expresses its confidence and hope that exemplary elections will be held on November 6, at the level of the democratic vocation of Guatemalan citizens. It depends on everyone.

For more information, please visit the OAS Website at www.oas.org.

Reference: E-926/11