Guatemalan deputy Juan Ignacio Quijada Heredia dies at 74

Guatemalan legislator Juan Ignacio Quijada Heredia has passed away at the age of 74. A representative for the Chiquimula district and a member of the Unidad Nacional de la Esperanza (UNE) party, Quijada Heredia was one of the longest-serving members of the current legislature.

Colleagues noted that his absence from recent plenary sessions was due to ongoing health issues. His death leaves a vacancy in the Chiquimula seat, which the UNE party must now fill. According to UNE block leadership, Ivana Bonilla Oliva, the party's departmental coordinator for Chiquimula, is expected to be sworn in as his successor following official notification to the Congress.

Quijada Heredia was known for his active participation in public service and had previously presided over various legislative commissions. His passing has prompted condolences from the Congress of the Republic and various political figures.