Guatemala's USAC Influence Persists as Mazariegos Guides Auditor Picks

Walter Mazariegos, despite not retaining the presidency of the Commission of Postulation that selects candidates for Guatemala's auditor general, continues to wield significant influence within the Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC). USAC holds constitutional authority in the appointment of key state officials, including past involvement in selecting magistrates for the Supreme Electoral Tribunal and the Constitutional Court.

The Commission, now chaired by Miquel Cortés Bofill, rector of Universidad Rafael Landívar, was elected unanimously by the Forum of Rectors on 15 July. It is tasked with drafting a shortlist of six candidates for the auditor general position, to be submitted to Congress for the 2026‑2030 term. The commission includes deans from the faculties of Public Accounting and Auditing as well as representatives of professional colleges. Cortés has emphasized the need to avoid politicisation of the process and to strengthen the rule of law through a transparent auditor appointment.