Guatemala identifies electoral violence risks for 2027 elections

Guatemala’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has identified more than 50 municipalities at risk of electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections. During a congressional hearing, magistrates warned that these areas face a high probability of disturbances, specifically regarding political violence against women and the irregular transfer of voters.

To mitigate these risks, the TSE is coordinating with the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Defense, the Human Rights Ombudsman, and the Attorney General’s Office. These inter-institutional efforts aim to address specific local conditions to prevent violence during all stages of the electoral process.

The tribunal also highlighted risks involving voter registry fraud, such as the use of false addresses to alter voter rolls. In San Jorge, Zacapa, authorities recently had to remove fraudulent addresses and report the matter to the Public Ministry.

Separately, civil society leaders have expressed alarm over a potential return to political violence following the recent assassination of former anti-corruption prosecutor Juan Francisco Solórzano Foppa. Organizers of a citizen congress reported receiving death threats after campaigning for judicial reforms, citing a lack of confidence in current security measures.