GUATEMALA CITY (AP) — Guatemala’s highest court has suspended the swearing in of supreme court and appellate judges due to concerns that they were improperly selected.

The justices are elected by the unicameral congress, and allegations have arisen that the two largest parties divided up the judgeships between themselves.

Constitutional Court president Gloria Porras said Thursday that the tribunal considers the allegations serious enough to warrant a temporary stay while they are examined.

She said it will be several days before a final decision is reached. Current justices will remain in the meantime.

Judges who were elected in the vote said at a news conference that the suspension amounted to a technical coup against the judicial system.

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