The United States congratulates president-elect James Ernesto (Jimmy) Morales Cabrera and looks forward to working with his administration. The Guatemalan people have shown a commitment to combat corruption and impunity. The new administration now has an unprecedented opportunity to work for them to enact reform legislation that will enhance anti-corruption efforts.

We trust president-elect Morales will seek to work with his citizens and the Guatemalan Assembly to stimulate economic growth, reduce crime and violence, promote educational opportunities, target criminal networks responsible for human trafficking, and help create transparent and accountable governance and institutions.

We also congratulate the Guatemalan people on a peaceful and orderly election. We applaud the political parties for their commitment to nonviolence throughout the electoral process, and we commend civil society organizations and other key stakeholders for their efforts to strengthen civic engagement in the democratic process.

Finally, we recognize the professional work of Guatemala’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal, and highlight the positive role played by international observers, including the Organization of American States, whose presence helped to ensure a transparent, free, and fair electoral process.