Caracas, Nov 9 (EFE).- The former anti-Chavista governor Andrés Velásquez called this Saturday to “defend” the result of the presidential elections of July 28, in view of “the refusal” of President Nicolás Maduro – proclaimed re-elected by the Council National Electoral (CNE) – to “hand over power.”
Despite the official result, which is still unknown in a disaggregated manner, the main opposition alliance – the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD) -, of which Velásquez is a part, insists that its candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, was the winner of these elections by a wide margin.
“Today more than ever, we all have to be willing to defend the electoral result of July 28 and the right to choose,” wrote the opposition leader in X, who rejected, without giving details, that “some” are “proposing to pass the page”.
On January 10, as established in the Constitution, the investiture ceremony of the winner of the presidential elections will be held.
Both Maduro and González Urrutia, exiled in Spain since September 8, insist that that day they will be sworn in as head of state.
The PUD claims to prove its claim on a website where it published “83.5%” of the “minutes” that – it explains – it collected thanks to people who were witnesses and polling station members during election day, documents that the ruling party calls false.
Numerous countries and local and international organizations have demanded the detailed publication of the results, as established by the schedule approved by the CNE for these elections, which, for the moment, has not been done.
Recently, the Popular Democratic Front (FDP), a dissident Chavismo coalition, filed an appeal before the Supreme Court to order the disaggregated publication of the votes, which was rejected by the highest court.
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**Interview with Andrés Velásquez: Defending the Election Results in Venezuela**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Velásquez. As a former anti-Chavista governor, you’ve recently spoken out about the presidential elections that took place on July 28. Can you explain what you mean by the need to “defend” the election results?
**Andrés Velásquez:** Thank you for having me. The situation in Venezuela is dire, and the legitimacy of our electoral processes is at stake. When Nicolás Maduro refuses to recognize the clear will of the people as expressed in the July 28 elections, we must stand up and defend that result. It’s not just about politics; it’s about the future of our country and the democratic rights of our citizens.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that Maduro has been proclaimed re-elected by the National Electoral Council (CNE). What evidence do you have that contradicts the CNE’s declaration?
**Andrés Velásquez:** We have numerous reports of electoral irregularities, including coercion and the manipulation of votes. International observers highlighted multiple issues during the election process. Our country’s credibility hinges on transparent and fair elections, and we simply cannot accept a result that appears to be orchestrated under such dubious circumstances.
**Interviewer:** Given the political climate in Venezuela, what steps do you believe should be taken to safeguard democracy and ensure the election results are honored?
**Andrés Velásquez:** It is crucial that we unite the opposition and call for international support to pressure the Maduro regime to respect the electoral outcome. We also need comprehensive reforms to our electoral system to regain public trust. Additionally, grassroots movements among citizens are essential, as they amplify the demand for a democratic process.
**Interviewer:** What do you say to those who fear that protests or movements against the government might lead to further repression?
**Andrés Velásquez:** I understand those fears; they are valid given the current climate of oppression in Venezuela. However, silence will not protect us. We must be strategic in our actions—mobilizing peacefully and persistently is key to demanding change. History shows that the voices of the people cannot be silenced forever.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Velásquez, for sharing your insights with us today. Your commitment to defending democracy in Venezuela is vital.
**Andrés Velásquez:** Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak. Every voice matters in this fight for our future.
