Carter Center Observations of the Venezuelan Elections
The Carter Center presented compelling evidence on Wednesday before the Organization of American States (OAS), claiming to have “original minutes” from the recent Venezuelan elections that indicate opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia actually won against President Nicolás Maduro.
During the presentation, Jennie K. Lincoln, an advisor for Latin America and the Caribbean at the Carter Center, shared, “I just received what was sent by international mail and I would like to share this with you after the session so that you can see that these are original minutes from Venezuela that have a very significant QR code.” She explained that this code “allowed witnesses and electoral observers from thousands of voting centers to collect information systematically from original data produced by the National Electoral Council (CNE).”
Lincoln emphasized that this information is crucial, stating, “This is the key point of this election.” The Carter Center was tasked with observing the elections held on July 28, where Maduro was proclaimed winner of a controversial third six-year term amidst numerous allegations of electoral fraud.
Claims of Electoral Fraud and Opposition’s Response
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and Maduro’s competitor, Edmundo González Urrutia, assert that the evidence they possess, particularly the electoral records, disputes the official results. Lincoln supported their claims, asserting that the data “show that Edmundo González won more than 67% of the votes while Nicolás Maduro obtained 31%,” but ultimately highlighted that the responsibility for declaring such results lies with the electoral authority.
After a month of hiding due to fears for his safety and an arrest warrant in Venezuela, González Urrutia sought asylum in Spain. Further complicating the situation, Lincoln revealed that both the opposition and the government are aware of the “true results” because the electronic voting system “worked.”
The International Community’s Reaction
Machado reacted to the revelations by stating, “The world knows what happened on July 28; Now you have the TRUTH in your hands!” She has been living covertly in Venezuela since August, following her allegations of electoral fraud.
The United States and a significant portion of the international community have condemned the electoral process as fraudulent, demanding the public release of the electoral minutes which the Venezuelan government continues to refuse. At the OAS’s permanent council session, Secretary General Luis Almagro voiced criticisms of the electoral process, calling it “neither fair, free nor transparent.” He noted that no official minutes or evidence of the electoral result were presented, which further fueled allegations of a “fraudulent result” entwined with oppression tactics including torture, murders, forced disappearances, and political persecution.
Timeline of Events: Venezuelan Elections 2024
| Date | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| July 28, 2024 | Presidential Elections | Nicolás Maduro is proclaimed winner amid allegations of fraud. |
| August 2024 | Claims of Fraud | Opposition leaders claim evidence contradicts election results. |
| September 28, 2024 | Machado Rally | Maria Corina Machado speaks out against the election results in Madrid. |
| Late 2024 | Asylum Request | Edmundo González Urrutia requests asylum in Spain. |
Calls for Accountability
The aftermath of the disputed electoral process has led to widespread protests throughout Venezuela, resulting in the tragic loss of 27 lives, hundreds injured, and over 2,400 arrests. As Machado highlighted during her speeches, the need for international justice to hold Maduro and other Venezuelan officials accountable has become imperative. Speaking from a conference in Prague, she stressed the significance of recognizing the truth behind the electoral process.
Current Status of Opposition Leaders
With the political climate in Venezuela remaining precarious, the situation for opposition leaders like María Corina Machado continues to be threatening. Following the controversies surrounding the election and subsequent acts of violence, voices for justice and human rights advocacy have never been more critical.
(With information from AFP)
