07/11/2007 (Agence Europe) - The Commission has welcomed the organisation and smooth running of the second round of the presidential elections in Guatemala on 4 November. In a press release published on Tuesday 6 November, External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner notes the commitment to democracy of the Guatemalan people and political parties and congratulated Alvaro Colom on his victory. The National Union of Hope (UNE) candidate, who succeeds outgoing Conservative president Oscar Berger, will begin his four-year term of office on 14 January 2008. “Guatemalan democracy has come out of these elections stronger,” said Ferrero-Waldner, adding that, despite regrettable incidents during the election campaign, the level of violence was less than in previous elections. (A.B.)