The Comptroller General of Accounts (CGC) reiterated this June 23 that Walter Mazariegos does not have a current settlement and confirmed that there are three criminal complaints derived from an audit that is still being developed in the University of San Carlos of Guatemala (Usac).
During a congressional summons, Nery de León, director of Complaints Attention to the CGCexplained that the audit continues due to delays in the delivery of information required by the auditors.
As detailed, the Comptroller’s Office identified three findings that gave rise to complaints filed with the Public Ministry between the March 24 and 27, 2026. De León indicated that, despite the progress, “the audit is still in process” due to delays in the delivery of information requested by the audit team.
The complaints are related to the alleged omission of calls for the election of university representatives; the approval of teaching hiring mechanisms that, according to the Comptroller’s Office, would contravene the Organic Law of the USAC; and the participation of members with expired terms of office in university decision-making bodies.
De León indicated that the complaints were ratified before the Public Ministry on May 12 and that, once presented, the status of the indicated persons automatically changes within the Comptroller’s system.
Comptroller’s Office: Mazariegos does not have a settlement
Asked by deputy Orlando Blanco about the current situation in Mazariegos, De León responded that “Mr. Walter Mazariegos does not have a settlement right now.”
Subsequently, Edgar Castillo, from the Legal Affairs Directorate of the CGCrecalled that the Article 16 of the Law on Probity and Responsibilities of Public Officials and Employees establishes impediments to running for public office when a person does not have the corresponding proof of settlement.
The regulations indicate that those who have managed or guarded State property and do not have the settlement issued by the institution where they provided services, and by the Comptroller General of Accounts, cannot apply for public positions.
When asked if Mazariegos could have been elected rector under those conditions, Castillo responded: “No, since the complaints were filed before,” in reference to the criminal actions promoted by the Comptroller’s Office.
They ask to expand the audit
During the summons, Blanco requested that the audit be expanded to include the actions of the university electoral commission and members of the Higher University Council (CSU).
The congressman argued that both the Organic Law of the USAC and the electoral regulations establish that if an elected person does not meet the legal requirements to occupy the position of rector, a new election must be called immediately.
In addition, he maintained that the university authorities should have previously verified that the candidates met all the requirements established in university legislation.
Blanco also asked if the Comptroller’s Office is verifying the legality of the university electoral process. “It is being verified”, De Leon responded.
Regarding a date to conclude the audit, the official indicated that he could not specify a deadline and indicated that they could later submit a detailed report on the progress of the investigations.
Complaints involve the rector and the Higher University Council
During the exchange, Blanco summarized that the complaints are related to the lack of calls in accordance with the law, hiring allegedly carried out without respecting established procedures and the participation of people who continued to perform functions even though their terms had expired.
When asked about who is included in the complaints, De León indicated that they cover “practically to the higher university councils and the rector.”
For their part, advisors from the bench pointed out that the reported events could have implications for decisions adopted during the administration of the current university authorities, while Blanco recalled that representatives of the Prosecutor’s Office of Administrative Crimes of the Public Ministryto which the complaints were sent, did not respond to the legislative summons due to changes made in the leadership last week.