EU Council finds Venezuelan elections did not meet international standards

• In a statement, the High Representative of the European Union, Josep Borrell, said that the electoral records published by the opposition indicate the victory of Edmundo González

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, issued a statement on the post-election events in Venezuela, in which he stressed that the presidential elections of July 28 “did not comply” with international standards.

“Despite its commitment, the National Electoral Council of Venezuela (CNE) has not yet published the voting records of the polling stations. Without supporting evidence, the results published on 2 August by the CNE cannot be recognised,” Borrell said in the statement released by the Council of the European Union.

Borrell added that copies of the electoral records, published by the campaign command of the opposition candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, indicate that he obtained the majority of the votes.

He added that the data shared by the opposition was reviewed by several independent organizations to certify its veracity.

The European Union insisted on the demand for an independent verification of the electoral records, both those of the opposition and those not yet published by the CNE, which should be carried out if possible by an entity with an international reputation.

Photo: EFE

Concern of the European Union

The European bloc expressed concern that the delay by the CNE in publishing the complete official voting records will generate more doubts and protests in Venezuelan society.

“The European Union calls for calm and restraint. The Venezuelan authorities, including the security forces, must fully respect human rights, including freedom of expression and assembly,” the EU statement said.

Borrell’s statements also refer to the number of arrests and harassment of opposition representatives, for which he urged the government to end “repression and violent rhetoric” and also called for the release of all political prisoners.

The EU High Representative called for promoting dialogue to provide a negotiated solution to the crisis unfolding in Venezuela.

“Respecting the will of the Venezuelan people remains the only way for Venezuela to restore democracy and resolve the current humanitarian and socio-economic crisis,” concluded the statement from the Council of the European Union.

Photo: EFE

EU countries asked the CNE to publish the electoral records

Spain, Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Portugal signed a treaty on August 3 joint declaration in which they asked the Venezuelan authorities to publish all voting records in order to guarantee the full transparency and integrity of the electoral process.

In this initiative, promoted by Italy and France, they expressed “deep concern about the situation in Venezuela following the presidential elections last Sunday, July 28.”

“The rights of all Venezuelans, particularly political leaders, must be respected during this process. We strongly condemn any arrests or threats against them,” the statement added.

In addition, the signatory EU countries urged the government of Nicolás Maduro to respect the right to protest and assemble peacefully.

“We will continue to closely monitor the situation with our partners and support the Venezuelan people’s call for democracy and peace,” the statement said.

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