Guatemalan Parties' Heated Dispute with Electoral Tribunal Over Election Delays

Guatemalan Political Parties Clash with Electoral Tribunal Over Party Cancellations Guatemala City – Tensions flared during a recent meeting between Guatemalan political parties and the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) over the slow process of canceling political parties that failed to meet the minimum vote requirements in the 2023 elections. Representatives from several parties voiced their frustration, arguing that the law is clear and that immediate action is needed. The current Electoral and Political Parties Law (LEPP) mandates the cancellation of any party that fails to secure 5% of the presidential vote or at least one congressional seat. "The law is clear," stated a representative from one of the affected parties, "yet the TSE's inaction is creating uncertainty and delaying necessary reforms." The situation escalated when former presidential candidate Sandra Torres engaged in a heated discussion with TSE president Blanca Alfaro. The video shows Torres expressing her concerns about the delays, while Alfaro attempted to explain the TSE's position. The exchange highlights the deep divisions within the Guatemalan political landscape. The TSE maintains that the delays are not intentional but result from the complex legal processes involved. However, the parties' concerns underscore the need for greater transparency and efficiency in the electoral system. The ongoing situation serves as a reminder of the challenges facing Guatemala's democracy.