Guatemala

Guatemala faces a challenging period characterized by persistent efforts from entrenched political and judicial actors to undermine the transition of power and weaken institutional independence. While the nation held competitive elections, the subsequent term has been marked by significant pressure on the judiciary and the office of the attorney general, which have been frequently utilized to pursue political opponents and civil society leaders. Corruption remains a deeply systemic issue that hinders the effective delivery of public services and undermines public trust in the state. Although democratic procedures continue to function in a formal capacity, the systematic erosion of checks and balances and the continued influence of informal power structures keep the country in a hybrid state where the promise of democratic reform is constantly frustrated by the reality of executive and judicial capture.