Discussing the Challenge of Democracy in Guatemala

Democracy in Guatemala—and how it can be achieved—was the subject of an October 22 conversation between U.S. Ambassador to Guatemala Stephen McFarland and Jorge Morales Toj, the Center for Peace and Global Citizenship's (CPGC) Global Leader for Peace.

Conducted entirely in Spanish and simultaneously interpreted for the audience, the exchange between the two was one of a series of conversations on Latin American issues that Morales Toj will take part in during his semester at Haverford.

Before an audience, the two men discussed the democratic and peace-building challenges Guatemala faces 13 years after the end of its devastating 36-year civil war. Both agreed that the promise of peace remains unfulfilled.

McFarland described U.S. policy towards Guatemala as focused on strengthening the country's security, and human rights and justice; improving the economy and reducing poverty; and working with different sectors to reduce discrimination, particularly against indigenous people.

The ambassador explained that President Obama wants a relationship with Guatemala based on consensus among opposing factions. Slowing the country's recovery effort is the fact that many victims and survivors of the war have never found the people responsible for their family members' deaths, or the places where the bodies are buried. Forensic anthropology must be supported, he said, so that families can identify their loved ones.

Morales Toj spoke at length about the racism his people had faced over the centuries from the colonial system of government. He categorized the inherent racism as structural, interpersonal and legislative; the indigenous have no land, rights, or voice in the eyes of the government. It is this oppression, he said, that formed the basis for the genocide against his people.

The 1996 peace agreements, said Morales Toj, should have been an opportunity for Guatemala to move towards democracy. But political officials—many of whom initiated the genocide—have disregarded and violated the terms of the agreements.

He recalled the hope indigenous people felt in 1985, when they could first exercise the right to vote and imagined a new type of country. But only those with money and influence found their way onto the ballots, while indigenous communities expect their leaders to earn their positions based on service to their communities.“The political parties are more like clubs or corporations,” he said. Morales Toj envisions a multi-ethnic, plurinational society in which all participate and are represented equally.

McFarland and Morales Toj also took questions from the audience. One student wondered if the indigenous and the political elite of Guatemala can negotiate on human rights without U.S. intervention.“The elites are not willing to negotiate,” said Morales Toj.“They don't see the indigenous as people with rights; they see us as cheap labor, second-class citizens.” But the international community—particularly the U.S. and Europe, he said—could be Guatemala's ally in implementing democracy.

He also praised McFarland's diplomatic role in the country's recent magistrate elections.“Positive intervention helps,” he said.

In closing, each was asked what contribution he could make to democracy in Guatemala.“I have always sought dialogue, and respected the peace treaties,” said Morales Toj.“I want to be a link in the chain between the indigenous communities and the will of others.”

“I intend to support you in that,” said McFarland.

-Brenna McBride