Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) have voiced their support for Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo's request for an Organization of American States (OAS) observation mission to oversee the selection process for justices for Guatemala’s Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. The senators sent a letter to OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro, highlighting the crucial role that the OAS has played in safeguarding Guatemalan democracy and its potential to continue doing so in order to uphold the integrity and independence of Guatemala’s judicial system.

In their letter, the senators stated, “We write to express our strong support for Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo’s request to have an Organization of American States (OAS) observation mission for Guatemala’s upcoming selection and appointment process for judicial authorities.” They further noted that this process will finally mark a return to constitutional order for Guatemala’s highest judicial bodies after almost a full period without legitimately appointed magistrates.

The senators emphasized the importance of ensuring that the Guatemalan people have full confidence in every step of this selection process and that those appointed will meet the minimum standards set forth in Article 113 of Guatemala’s constitution. They also acknowledged concerns about accusations by the UN and civil society groups regarding influence peddling and corruption surrounding previous election processes for justices in Guatemala.

The senators believe that while the "election process" that the OAS observation mission would be monitoring differs from traditional electoral processes, it is their view that the OAS can play an important observer role. They praised OAS's leadership in preserving democratic will following last year's electoral process and presidential transition in Guatemala.

By agreeing to deploy an observation mission to monitor the ongoing judicial selection and appointment process in Guatemala, they hope that the OAS will continue its constructive role against democratic backsliding not just in Guatemala but throughout the hemisphere.