Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
b . No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: Each of the 22 departments and capital district are used as constituencies for the election.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”, art. 157: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 205: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments: Geography and political division of administrative departments, are considered to establish the electoral limits. And each department constitutes a constituency.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”, art. 157: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 205: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”, art. 157: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 205: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
a . Head of State is the Head of Government c . Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The President and the Vice-President of the Republic are elected through universal and secret suffrage for a single four-year term. If none of the candidates secures an absolute majority, a second round takes place within a period of no more than sixty, or less than forty-five days, counting from the first round, between the two most-voted candidates.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”, art. 182 & 184: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf
Verified: 2023/05/29
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
b . Directly elected in general elections, absolute majority (with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The Head of Government and Head of State are the same person, elected by absolute majority for a four-year term with no possibility of re-election. The second round is called for between the two most-voted candidates of the first round.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”, art. 182 & 184: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf
Verified: 2023/05/29
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”, art. 182 & 184: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf
Verified: 2023/05/29
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: The Congress of Deputies is made up of 160 members.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”, art. 157: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 205: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: The legislative power belongs to the Congress of the Republic, made up of deputies elected directly by the people by universal and secret suffrage, through the party lists, for a period of four years, being able to be re-elected.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”, art. 157: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 203 & 205: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
b . Separate legislation
Comments: The Constitution has a few provisions on electoral matters, however there is a specific legislation (Electoral and Political Parties' Law), along with its own set of rules, which regulates all issues related to the electoral administration, including the regime of political parties.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections c . Local elections d . Referendums
Comments: This Law covers the election of the President of the Republic, the members of the Congress, municipal authorities, representatives at the Central American Parliament and popular consultations.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 199: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: Voting is considered a civic duty; there is no sanction to citizens who don’t attend to do it.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”, art. 136: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 13, 198: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . EMB
Comments: The Supreme Electoral Tribunal.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 125: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level c . Local level
Comments: Presidential, national deputies, constituent assembly, Central American Parliament, municipal governments and popular consultations.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”, art. 173, 278: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 121, 125 & 199: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: The allocation of resources in non-election years must be of at least 0.5 % of the general budget, whereas in election years it will have to be enough to fulfil the expenditure needs.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”, art. 171: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 122: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department
Comments: The Office of the Comptroller General of Accounts is in charge of controlling the budget of the electoral authority.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”, art. 232: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 205: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: The Tribunal is made up by five members and their corresponding substitutes. They are elected by a two-thirds vote of the Congress. Their term is of six years with possibility of re-election.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 123 & 124: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 121: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is composed of five judges and their corresponding substitutes. They are elected by the Congress with the positive vote of two thirds of its members, from the short-list of forty candidates proposed by the Nominating Committee. They remain in office for six years.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 123: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: The members of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal should meet the same requirements established for judges of the Supreme Court.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”, art. 207: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 124: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
e . Legislature
Comments: Members of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal are elected by the Congress, with the positive vote of two thirds of its members, from a short-list of candidates proposed by the Nominating Committee.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 123: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 125 u): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments: The Supreme Electoral Tribunal’s Institute for Civic, Political and Electoral Education designs dissemination programs for Guatemalan citizens to increase their participation and strengthen democracy in the country.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 125 u), 169 f): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/ ;
Tribunal Supremo Electoral de Guatemala: https://tse.org.gt/index.php/homepage/dependencias/322-instituto-de-formacion-y-capacitacion-civico-politica-y-electoral-2/ — https://aulavirtual.tse.org.gt/moodle/
Verified: 2023/05/29
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
Comments: The Supreme Electoral Tribunal’s Institute for Civic, Political and Electoral Education designs dissemination programs for Guatemalan citizens to increase their participation and strengthen democracy in the country.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 125 u), 169 f): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/ ;
Tribunal Supremo Electoral de Guatemala: https://tse.org.gt/index.php/homepage/dependencias/322-instituto-de-formacion-y-capacitacion-civico-politica-y-electoral-2/ — https://aulavirtual.tse.org.gt/moodle/
Verified: 2023/05/29
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”, art. 147: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 2: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship e . Other
Comments: Being registered as a voter and in full possession of his/her political rights.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 2, 7 & 8: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Tribunal has a technical area devoted to registration: The Citizens' Registry.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 155: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”, art. 136 a): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 3 & 8: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement) f . Other
Comments: Among the requirements are: a minimum of affiliates (equivalent to 0.30% of the total enfranchised citizens according to the last electoral roll), of which half should be able to write and read; be registered as a political party in the Citizens´ Registry.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 19: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos (2016)", art. 19 & 93, http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-ley-electoral/
Verified: 2023/05/29
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
b . Citizenship f . Registration j . Other
Comments: The legal qualifications are: Guatemalan nationality by birth; be in full exercise of his/her rights; be a duly registered and enfranchised citizen; be nominated by a political party; and, for those who managed public funds, official document stating there are no claims against his/her management.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”, art. 162: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 212–214: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
a . Neither in presidential nor legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 212 & 213: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: Direct public financing to political parties is supplied at the rate of the equivalent of two United States dollars in Guatemalan quetzales by vote legally cast for them, provided they have received at least five percent (5%) of the total valid ballots deposited in the general election, or that they win one seat in the Congress. Indirect public funding is given through free postal and telegraphic services throughout the electoral process, as well as through equitable access to mass media during the electoral process.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 20 e), f) & g), 21 bis & 220: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Based on result of previous election
Comments: Political Parties receive the annual amount equivalent to two United States dollars in Guatemalan quetzales for every vote received during the first round of the presidential election, provided they obtain at least 5% of the total valid votes in the general election or a seat at the Congress. In case of coalitions, financing is distributed according to the coalition agreement.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 21 bis: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Private contributions to candidates for elected office must be channelled through the respective political organizations. Such contributions shall in no case be anonymous. Contributions from foreign States or individuals is not permitted, or from persons who were convicted for money-laundering or financial crimes, or whose assets were involved in a process of being confiscated, and from non-political foundations.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 21 ter: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 237: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request
Comments: Upon request of political parties’ representatives, ballots are recounted at the polling stations, before the certificate is signed. Then, during the vote counting revision sessions, votes can be recounted if the legal requirements for it are met.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 238: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/ ;
Electoral Law’s Regulations: “Reglamento de la Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 101, 110 & 11: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance b . Based on number of candidates put forward in present elections d . Based on mixture of principles (specify)
Comments: From the resources at the disposition of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal to hire broadcasting time, 50% is allocated to the presidential candidates, 25% to the candidates to the legislature and the remaining 25% to the candidates to the municipal governments. Then, using the media plans of the political parties as input, it puts together a consolidated plan. The legislature and municipal candidates can give their broadcasting time to the presidential candidate of their respective political party.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 220–222: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/ ;
Mass Media Regulations: “Reglamento de la Unidad Especializada sobre Medios de Comunicación y Estudios de Opinión”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections
Comments: While there is no provision in the law, however, televised presidential debates have occurred ever since 2007.
Source: República: “Elecciones 2023: Inician los debates de República con candidatos presidenciales”: https://republica.gt/politica/elecciones-2023-inician-los-debates-de-republica-con-candidatos-presidenciales-202342611290/ ;
CNN: "Crime, immigration issues dominate Guatemala debate (2007).", http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/americas/08/31/guatemala.debate/index.html?eref=rss_latest; Debates International: https://www.debatesinternational.org/taxonomy/term/172
Verified: 2023/05/29
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
b . 2-3 days
Comments: While the Electoral Law states it to be of fifteen days, the amendments to the regulations establish it to be of 36 hours.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 223 c): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/ ;
Electoral Law’s Regulations: “Reglamento de la Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 19: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/ ;
Mass Media Regulations: “Reglamento de la Unidad Especializada sobre Medios de Comunicación y Estudios de Opinión”, art. 19: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is the only authorised to hire broadcasting time at rates lower than the commercial ones. For electoral campaigns during general elections, the total budget (at least 0.25% of the State's ordinary income) for this purpose is divided for the different kinds of elections: 50% for the candidates to the presidency; 25% for the candidates to the Congress; and, 25% for the candidates to municipal governments. However, the candidates to the Congress and to municipal governments can transfer their time to their presidential candidates. In any case, those are the only spaces to which the political parties can have access to.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 220 d) f) & 222: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/ ;
Mass Media Regulations: “Reglamento de la Unidad Especializada sobre Medios de Comunicación y Estudios de Opinión”, art. 12: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Particularly transcendent political decisions, as well as constitutional reforms to articles other than those in Chapter 1 of the Second Title of the Constitution ("Individual Rights"), will be submitted to consultation before all citizens, which will be called by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. Such reforms will only come into effect once they are ratified by popular consultation.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”, art. 173 & 280: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 250 bis: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Particularly transcendent political decisions, as well as constitutional reforms to articles other than those in Chapter 1 of the Second Title of the Constitution ("Individual Rights"), will be submitted to consultation before all citizens, which will be called by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. Such reforms will only come into effect once they are ratified by popular consultation.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”, art. 173 & 280: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 250 bis: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 250 bis: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/29
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments: Particularly transcendent political decisions, as well as constitutional reforms to articles other than those in Chapter 1 of the Second Title of the Constitution ("Individual Rights"), will be submitted to consultation before all citizens, which will be called by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. Such reforms will only come into effect once they are ratified by popular consultation.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”, art. 173: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf
Verified: 2023/05/29
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf
Verified: 2023/05/29
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments: A maximum of 600 voters are assigned, according to the consecutive number of their registration at the Citizen's Registry, to each voting station.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 230 b): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/30
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 12: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/ ;
Out-of-Country Voting Regulations: “Reglamento de Voto en el Extranjero”, art. 2: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/30
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
b . Consulates
Comments:
Source: Out-of-Country Voting Regulations: “Reglamento de Voto en el Extranjero”, art. 12: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/30
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law’s Regulations: “Reglamento de la Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 97: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
Verified: 2023/05/30
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