The process for the election of new judges of the Supreme Court of Justice and the Courts of Appeals in Guatemala for the period 2024 – 2029 is being carried out at the request of transparency by different sectors.
The first working session of the Committee is expected to be held on July 11. Nomination Commission for the Supreme Court of Justicewhose task will be propose a list of 26 professionals.
He Congress of the republic will choose 13 starters and the rest will remain as possible substitutes in the event of resignation or death of the principals.
In addition to the orders from the sectors of the civil society in Guatemalathere are also calls of International organizations who ask that the process be transparent.
Margaret SatterthwaiteSpecial Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, of the United Nations Organizationissued a statement Published on July 9th by that body.
“All actors who are going to be part of these Commissions must, in accordance with the law, act with responsibilityand feel motivated by national interest. In this way, the decisions of the Commissions will represent the broader interests of society“Satterthwaite said,
“I ask the Nomination Committees to make public the indicators of each of the criteria to determine the suitability of candidates: capacity, specialty, suitability, honesty and proven honorability“There must be a clear evaluation scheme with the score assigned to each criterion clearly specified and shared from the beginning of this process,” he said.
He also referred to criteria of honesty and honorability. “Candidates must be required to present a sworn and public declaration of assetsemployment contracts and a sworn and public declaration of personal and commercial conflicts of interest. All of these elements should be taken into account when evaluate honesty and honorability“.
Regarding the participation of civil society, Satterthwaite said that “it must be able to participate fully and meaningfully in the consideration of candidates and in the supervision of the process.”
“I encourage the Commissions to consider and respond substantively to objections or findings presented by civil society,” said the expert.
“At the same time, I underline the crucial importance of not repeating the past, when judges did not They were appointed for almost a full term. The Guatemalan people deserve courts made up of judges of the highest caliber, appointed in a timely manner, complying with legal deadlines“.
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