The head of the UN-backed International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) has called on Guatemala's presidential candidates to work with it to combat organized crime in the country.
In a presentation of the fourth annual report from the UN-sponsored entity, Francisco Dall'Anese called on the presidential hopefuls to implement the commission's recommendations, and implored the successful candidate to work to ensure that the presence of the state is strengthened in areas where organized criminal gangs operate.
The CICIG report called for the creation of special public prosecutors, the establishment of a police forensic science unit for criminal investigations, and the improvement of investigative methods, among other things.
The head of the CICIG also said that government officials should accept criticism from the press, arguing that "in a country without media there can be no democracy."
The two presidential hopefuls responded with words of support for the CIGIC, with Manuel Baldizon praising the contribution the commission has made to the state in four years it has been in operation, and Otto Perez declaring that his administration would continue to back the CICIG.
The second round run-off of the Guatemalan presidential election will take place on November 6.
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