A resolution expressing solidarity with the people of Guatemala and urging the Government of Guatemala to permit a peaceful transfer of power to President-elect Bernardo Arevalo.

SRES 518 is a non-binding Senate resolution expressing U.S. solidarity with Guatemalans and urging the Guatemalan government to permit President-elect Bernardo Arévalo to assume office on January 14, 2024. It condemns actions by Guatemala’s Attorney General and Public Ministry - including raids on election offices, attempts to annul the August 2023 election, and threats against anti-corruption officials - as undemocratic efforts to block the peaceful transfer of power. The resolution specifically calls on Guatemala to cease intimidation of civil society, commute sentences of jailed anti-corruption advocates, and ensure the inauguration proceeds, while directing U.S. agencies to prepare for reassessing aid and considering sanctions if the transfer is obstructed. This resolution directly addresses the Guatemalan government and reflects U.S. policy concerns about democratic backsliding.