US warns interference could undermine Guatemala election

FILE PHOTO: A combination picture shows Presidential candidate for the National Unity of Hope (UNE) party Sandra Torres (L) speaking to the media at the computer centre following the first round of Guatemala's presidential election in Guatemala City, Guatemala, June 26, 2023, and Presidential candidate for the Semilla party Bernardo Arevalo (R) speaking with members of his party as he attends a press conference following the first round of Guatemala's presidential election in Guatemala City, Guatemala, June 25, 2023. REUTERS/Cristina Chiquin/File Photo

(Reuters) - The U.S. is deeply concerned about efforts to interfere with Guatemala's first-round presidential election result, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Sunday, a day after Guatemala's top court ordered ballots be reviewed.

Blinken added the U.S. government endorsed findings from observers including the Organization of American States over the vote's validity, and said undermining the outcome would be a "grave threat to democracy with far reaching implications."