Guatemala

Guatemala is a free, independent, and sovereign state, organized to guarantee its inhabitants the enjoyment of their rights and freedoms. Its system of government is republican, democratic, and representative (Art. 140, Political Constitution of the Republic of Guatemala).

The territory of the Republic is administratively divided into 22 departments, which are further subdivided into 340 municipalities. Municipalities enjoy economic, technical, and administrative autonomy, governed by a Municipal Code that establishes the general principles for their organization, functioning, and exercise of autonomous powers.

The Congress of the Republic of Guatemala is the country’s unicameral legislative body. It consists of 160 deputies democratically elected by universal suffrage.

The Municipal Council is the superior collegiate body responsible for deliberation and decision-making on municipal affairs. Its members are the decision-makers, and it is headquartered in the municipal seat. Municipal government is exercised by the Municipal Council, which is responsible for exercising the municipality’s autonomy. It is composed of the mayor, syndics, and councilors, all directly and popularly elected according to the law. The mayor is responsible for executing and overseeing policies, plans, programs, and projects authorized by the Municipal Council.

The President and Vice President serve a non-extendable term of four years. Deputies to Congress, mayors, councilors, and syndics serve four-year terms and may be re-elected.

Presidential and vice-presidential elections are held by absolute majority. If no candidate achieves absolute majority, a runoff is held between the two candidates with the highest valid votes. Deputies are elected by proportional representation. Mayors and syndics are elected by relative majority, while councilors are elected proportionally.

Closed lists.

The President and Vice President are elected in a single national constituency. Deputies are elected through electoral districts and a national list. Local governments have single-member constituencies for mayors and multi-member constituencies for councilors.

None.

Political Constitution of the Republic of Guatemala; Municipal Code of Guatemala (Decree 12-2002); General Law of Decentralization (Decree 14-2002); and Law on Urban and Rural Development Councils.

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is the highest electoral authority. It is independent and not subordinate to any state body. Its organization, functions, and powers are established in the Electoral and Political Parties Law. The Tribunal is composed of five principal magistrates and five alternates, elected by Congress with a two-thirds majority vote from a shortlist of 40 candidates proposed by the Nominations Commission. Their term lasts six years.