Venezuelan election marred by fraud and repression
September 20, 2024 | Foreign Affairs: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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In a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the political turmoil in Venezuela following the opposition's primary election. Maria Corinna Machado emerged as the consensus presidential candidate, securing over 90% of the vote. In response, the U.S. government took measures to promote a competitive electoral environment, including a temporary license for transactions in Venezuela's oil and gas sector.
However, the situation escalated in January when the Maduro-backed Supreme Justice Tribunal barred Machado from holding office, further undermining democratic processes. In reaction to this repression, the U.S. Treasury revoked the general license for oil and gas activities, reaffirming its commitment to supporting a fair presidential election.
As the election approached, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia was allowed to register as the opposition's candidate, campaigning alongside Machado. On July 28th, a historic turnout of over 12 million Venezuelans voted, despite facing threats and intimidation. Pre-election polls indicated a clear lead for Gonzalez, yet the Maduro-controlled National Electoral Council (CNE) declared Maduro the winner shortly after the election, without providing substantiated evidence.
Contrastingly, the opposition released official precinct-level tally sheets, corroborated by independent observers, showing Gonzalez winning 67% of the vote compared to Maduro's 30%. The Carter Center and a UN panel of experts confirmed the authenticity of the opposition's data, highlighting the lack of transparency in the CNE's announcement.
Despite international calls for accountability, Maduro's regime has continued to deny the will of the Venezuelan people, launching a campaign of repression to maintain power. Gonzalez, now in Spain due to a politically motivated arrest warrant issued by Maduro's representatives, symbolizes the ongoing struggle for democracy in Venezuela. The U.S. and its international partners have condemned Maduro's actions, with few governments recognizing his claims of electoral victory.
However, the situation escalated in January when the Maduro-backed Supreme Justice Tribunal barred Machado from holding office, further undermining democratic processes. In reaction to this repression, the U.S. Treasury revoked the general license for oil and gas activities, reaffirming its commitment to supporting a fair presidential election.
As the election approached, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia was allowed to register as the opposition's candidate, campaigning alongside Machado. On July 28th, a historic turnout of over 12 million Venezuelans voted, despite facing threats and intimidation. Pre-election polls indicated a clear lead for Gonzalez, yet the Maduro-controlled National Electoral Council (CNE) declared Maduro the winner shortly after the election, without providing substantiated evidence.
Contrastingly, the opposition released official precinct-level tally sheets, corroborated by independent observers, showing Gonzalez winning 67% of the vote compared to Maduro's 30%. The Carter Center and a UN panel of experts confirmed the authenticity of the opposition's data, highlighting the lack of transparency in the CNE's announcement.
Despite international calls for accountability, Maduro's regime has continued to deny the will of the Venezuelan people, launching a campaign of repression to maintain power. Gonzalez, now in Spain due to a politically motivated arrest warrant issued by Maduro's representatives, symbolizes the ongoing struggle for democracy in Venezuela. The U.S. and its international partners have condemned Maduro's actions, with few governments recognizing his claims of electoral victory.
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