The Special Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) for the Strengthening of Democratic Institutions in Guatemala assured this Wednesday that the assumption of Walter Mazariegos for a second term as rector of the University of San Carlos of Guatemala (Usac) It does not resolve doubts about the legality and legitimacy of the re-election process, widely questioned since 2022.
In a statement, the OAS indicated that the inauguration “does not close an unresolved institutional controversy” nor can it be interpreted as an automatic validation of the process, remembering that the re-election has been accompanied by Pending court actions, criminal complaints, and voter turnout questionselements that, according to the organization, continue to affect public trust.
A day marked by protests and confrontations
While the takeover was developed through a virtual session of the Higher University Council (CSU) and Mazariegos confirmed the start of his second term for the period 2026-2030demonstrations by groups were recorded at the entrances to the central campus for and against of the rector.
At the entrance to the Peripheral Ring and the Petapa Avenue Moments of tension were reported between protesters, while observers from the Human Rights Ombudsman (PDH) They remained in place to verify the development of the day.
As the hours passed, the situation escalated. Launches of weapons were reported from inside the campus. mortars, stones, bottles, water and other objects outwards, while protesters requested the intervention of the National Civil Police (PNC).
Reports also circulated about the use of apparent spell weapons and pelletsalthough the nature of some detonations has not been independently confirmed by authorities.
The OAS asks to resolve the pending legal actions
The international mission recalled that it was created at the end of 2025at the request of the Government of Guatemala, with the objective of accompanying and strengthening democratic institutions during the processes of renewal of authorities in different State bodies.
In this context, he called on the judicial and control authorities to resolve independently the legal actions still pending related to the election of the rector.
Likewise, he emphasized that the possible reported irregularities They are not resolved only with the taking of possession and that it is up to the competent institutions to determine the legal consequences of the process.
An election with national impact
The OAS recalled that the crisis in the University of San Carlos transcends the academic field because the only public university in the country participates in the so-called second degree electionsthrough which it designates representatives in institutions such as the Constitutional Courthe Supreme Electoral Courtthe Attorney General’s Office and the Comptroller General of Accounts.
For this reason, the organization reiterated that transparency and legal certainty in internal processes of the university are fundamental to strengthen the democratic institutions of the country.
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