INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Election observers in Guatemala have voiced their apprehensions about threats directed at judges of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal.They have
However, they have publicly denounced the intimidation against the electoral tribunal members.On August 20th, Judge Blanca Alfaro declared
her resignation from the tribunal, citing a hostile work environment.A day earlier, she reported escalating threats over the last three
(Photo Internet reproduction)Alfaro had been tipped as the potential successor to the current Tribunal President, Irma Palencia.In early
August, Palencia mentioned that the Public Ministry had initiated 13 criminal cases against the tribunal over alleged administrative and
electoral crimes.The timing of these investigations has raised eyebrows, especially when they coincide with probes into the Semilla
start of the current constitutional period in 1985.The observation mission, composed of civil society organizations, has called on
institutions and security forces to ensure the protection of tribunal judges.On August 20th, around 9.4 million Guatemalans are registered
(center-left) and Sandra Torres of the National Unity of Hope (conservatives), with the winner slated to assume office on January 14, 2024,
