He took office on January 14, 2000, representing the right-wing Guatamelan National Front. Upon becoming president he asked Juan Francisco Reyes L?ez to serve as his vice president.
In the first round of the elections (Guatemala election, November 2003), he backed former dictator Efra? R?s Montt to succeed him. However, he lost to ?car Berger Perdomo, who was sworn in on January 14, 2004.