Gloria Guevara, a leading candidate for Secretary-General of UN Tourism, has called for the presence of independent observers at the upcoming 123rd Executive Council vote, set to take place near Madrid later this month.
In a statement today, Guevara emphasized the need for transparency and integrity in the electoral process, urging all candidates to support the inclusion of neutral, internationally recognized observers to oversee the vote.
“This election marks a critical moment for global tourism. The principles we stand for as a sector must begin with how we select our leadership,” said Guevara. “Having independent observers would demonstrate our collective commitment to democratic accountability — a standard all candidates should embrace.”
She also called for the election procedures to be clearly communicated to all candidates ahead of the vote. In addition to third-party monitoring, Guevara advocated for greater involvement from member states in overseeing the process, saying such participation would strengthen confidence in the outcome and reflect a shared commitment to openness.
“Transparency, good governance, and inclusivity are core to the UN system,” she added. “These values must guide every agency — especially during leadership transitions.”
Highlighting the global significance of the tourism sector, Guevara warned against any perception of bias or impropriety in the election. “This industry represents communities and livelihoods across the world. Independent oversight isn’t just appropriate — it’s essential.”
Guevara has formally requested the invitation of independent observers and is calling on fellow candidates to publicly support the initiative.
“Backing this proposal is a simple yet powerful way to show we’re committed to a fair, credible process. If we can’t unite around this, it raises serious concerns about the kind of leadership we’re offering the sector.”
