The College of Lawyers and Notaries of Guatemala (CANG) expressed this Wednesday, June 24, its rejection of the actions of the Higher University Council (CSU) in the process of electing the rector of the University of San Carlos of Guatemala (Usac) and questioned that this body has ignored the results of the elections held by the professional associations.
Through the Communiqué, the board of directors of the CANG expressed its concern about the legal uncertainty that, in its opinion, surrounds the election of rector Walter Mazariegos and affirmed that this situation affects democratic institutions and the rule of law.
The entity pointed out that the electoral courts of the professional associations are the only ones competent to qualify and resolve the elections of their representatives before the USAC bodies, in accordance with the legal system, the precedents of the Constitutional Court and the autonomy of these organizations.
In this context, the CANG maintained that the CSU invaded the exclusive powers of the electoral courts of the professional associations by qualifying and deciding on electoral processes that, as it indicated, do not correspond to it.
According to the professional association, this action constitutes an impact on the principle of legality and the rule of law, which is why it considered that the situation must be corrected by the competent jurisdictional bodies and, ultimately, by the Constitutional Court.
Likewise, the CANG called on judges and magistrates to know and resolve the pending legal actions related to the election of the rector of the Usac.
According to the statement, the judicial authorities must analyze the substantive allegations that, in the opinion of the college, affect the legitimacy, legality and transparency of the university electoral processes, and not limit themselves to aspects of a formal or procedural nature.
The organization also indicated that it is necessary to guarantee respect for the democratic will expressed by the professional associations during the process of renewal of the university authorities.
Finally, the College of Lawyers and Notaries of Guatemala reiterated its commitment to the rule of law, university autonomy, internal democracy of professional associations and respect for the constitutional and legal powers of each State body.
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