The decision to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission in Guatemala shows the EU permanent commitment to support democracy and the rule of law. It is also an important way to promote the holding of inclusive and transparent elections.

The EU EOM Guatemala 2023 is led by Chief Observer Jordi Cañas Pérez, member of the European Parliament.

The Core Team of the EU EOM consists of 12 election experts, in Guatemala City since mid-May. They will be joined by   40 Long-Term Observers (LTOs) to be deployed across the country to follow the electoral campaign and the work of the TSE in the field. 44 Short-Term Observers (STOs) are also foreseen to be deployed closer to election-day. Finally, a delegation of the European Parliament and a number of Locally-Recruited Short-Term Observers from the EU Member States accredited in Guatemala may integrate the mission on Election Day.

The EU EOM will remain in the country until the completion of the electoral process.

The EU EOM conducts a comprehensive analysis of the electoral process, based on long-term observation. Observers meet with election administration, political parties, candidates, civil society organisations and the media, among others. They observe:

• The legal framework and its implementation;
• The political context, the election campaign and the campaign finance;
• The work and the impartiality of the electoral administration;
• The use of election technology;
• The respect for fundamental freedoms and civil and political rights;
• The participation of women,
• The participation of indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and the LGTBI community;
• The role of public institutions and civil society;
• The conduct of the media and the online content related to elections, and their coverage of the elections;
• The voting, counting, tabulation and the announcement of results;
• The complaints and appeals process and the post-electoral environment.

The European Union uses an established methodology for observing elections. Observers do not interfere in any way in the electoral process, including by offering advice and assistance. The EU EOM to does not legitimise the electoral process nor does it validate the election results. All EU election observers are bound by a Code of Conduct that ensures their neutrality and impartiality. The EU has endorsed the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, commemorated in 2005 at the United Nations.

EU Election Observation Missions are financed exclusively from European Union budget.

Following the EU election observation methodology, the mission will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Guatemala City after election day.

The final report, which will include a set of recommendations for future electoral processes, will be presented and shared with stakeholders after the finalisation of the entire electoral process.