"US Warns of Election Interference in Guatemala as Court Orders Probe and Suspends Release of Official Results"

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has expressed deep concern over efforts to interfere with Guatemala's first-round presidential election result, following a court order to review the ballots. Blinken endorsed findings from observers, including the Organization of American States, and warned that undermining the outcome would pose a grave threat to democracy. The front-runner's party and allies had challenged the results, alleging manipulation, while the second-place candidate criticized the review request as lacking legal merit. Guatemala's Foreign Ministry called for respect for its sovereignty and non-intervention, while the Supreme Electoral Tribunal agreed to review the ballots within five days. The European Union urged respect for the electoral process and citizens' will.