Guatemala Bishop calls for civic training to prevent vote-buying

Bishop Antonio Calderón Cruz of San Francisco de Asís de Jutiapa has called for strengthened civic education in Guatemala ahead of the 2027 general elections. The initiative aims to prevent the exploitation of socioeconomic vulnerabilities to influence or buy votes.

Following spiritual exercises with the clergy of Jutiapa, the Bishop emphasized the need to promote “active citizenship” so that individuals do not “sell their dignity, their vote, or their freedom for a fleeting promise.” He highlighted that citizens must not become indifferent to issues such as corruption, impunity, and the deterioration of national institutions.

Calderón specifically focused on the importance of educating youth to recognize their responsibilities within both the Church and society. The preliminary schedule from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) sets the general elections for June 27, 2027, to elect the successor to President Bernardo Arévalo, along with various legislative and municipal representatives.