The Selection of the Attorney General: Challenges, relevance and its impact on the rule of law

La Selección de Fiscal General del MP: Retos, relevancia y su impacto en el Estado de Derecho

On November 22, the third edition of the workshop “The Selection of the Attorney General: Challenges, relevance and its impact on the rule of law” was held in El Cubo, Sacatepéquez. Following two previous editions held in Guatemala City, this latest event sought to bring the analysis to more people. The workshop was based on a fundamental premise: the selection of the Attorney General in 2026 will mark a turning point for the country’s future, making it essential that this process be transparent, lawful, objective, and understood by the public. In a complex political context, understanding how this process works and what is at stake is essential to strengthening democratic institutions.

During the workshop, participants explored in depth the nuances of the selection process, the key players involved, the legal requirements, and the critical moments that can determine its course. The political and social context influencing this election was also analyzed, as well as the consequences that a manipulated, politicized, or irregular process would have for the rule of law. The methodology combined presentations, group work, and open discussion, which made it possible to explore in depth the technical, political, and social aspects that influence this process. More than 20 participants, mostly law students and members of civil society, fostered an informed and diverse dialogue that enriched the collective analysis.

This educational initiative reaffirms Be Just’s commitment to promoting a critical, informed, and active citizenry capable of demanding that the selection processes for high-ranking officials live up to democratic principles. By providing tools to understand how the election of the Attorney General is structured and why it matters, the workshop directly contributes to strengthening the rule of law and building a more just society. Civic and legal education is a fundamental for preventing impunity, countering institutional manipulation, and ensuring that public leaders act in the public interest. That is why initiatives like this one are essential to Be Just’s mission and to our collective aspiration for a more democratic, transparent, and dignified country.

More activities

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On July 28, the fourth "Be Just - Coffee Talks" was held, a forum for dialogue with Ana Elisa Samayoa and Marjorie von Ahn to discuss their experience in preparing and communicating the recently published constitutional reform proposal, as well as the importance of women’s participation in these types of processes and the next steps toward achieving greater inclusion in strengthening the justice system.

In this roundtable discussion with Ana Garita of UN Women, we talked about the challenges women face in public life and the importance of ensuring their participation on an equal footing and free from violence.

On June 15, 2026, Be Just hosted the forum "A New Opening for Democracy in Guatemala" in Washington, D.C., bringing together representatives from civil society, academia, and international organizations to discuss recent appointments within Guatemala’s justice system and the challenges of strengthening the rule of law. The event fostered dialogue on the opportunities and risks facing Guatemalan democracy at a pivotal moment for the country's institutional future.

University students and recent graduates participated in an open discussion with Claudia González, lawyer and human rights defender, on the current challenges facing the rule of law, patterns of criminalization, and the key role of younger generations in defending justice.

Este encuentro impulsó el intercambio de ideas y buenas prácticas para fortalecer las instituciones y apoyar los próximos procesos de elección de autoridades clave en el sistema de justicia.

On Saturday, August 29, Be Just held the fifth "Café con Be Just" gathering, a training and dialogue space designed for young people approaching their first electoral experience, aimed at giving them tools to understand the 2027 electoral process and participate in a conscious and informed way.