Walter Mazariegos Reinstated as USAC Rector Amid Protests and Fraud Allegations

On 1 July 2026 Walter Mazariegos assumed a second term as rector of the Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC) after the Consejo Superior Universitario approved his election despite widespread accusations of electoral fraud.

Student groups and civil‑society organisations staged protests at the campus perimeter and on social media, denouncing the process as fraudulent. They cite the systematic cancellation of opposition voting bodies, the validation of only 15 of 34 electoral corps and the participation of just 73 of 170 electors, as well as reports of intimidation.

The Corte de Constitucionalidad issued a provisional injunction ordering the Ministerio de Gobernación to increase security around the university. It later upheld the election, overturning earlier protective measures, while police and anti‑riot units were deployed to the campus.

The Fiscalía contra la Corrupción has opened 17 criminal investigations against Mazariegos, and the Contraloría General de Cuentas highlighted the absence of a current settlement for him. The Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales (FLACSO) warned that the episode reflects “a grave crisis of legality, legitimacy and governance of the country.”