The Foreign Ministry announced that Peru, along with ten other American countries, released a joint statement concerning the ruling of the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) of Venezuela related to the presidential elections held on July 28.
As previously reported, on Thursday, the TSJ, led by judges affiliated with Chavez, upheld the official results of those elections, which declared Nicolás Maduro the winner amid allegations of fraud both domestically and internationally.
“This Electoral Chamber validates the results of the presidential election held on the 28th, as issued by the National Electoral Council (CNE),” stated the president of the TSJ, the Chavista Caryslia Rodriguez, before senior government officials and diplomatic representatives, who led the judicial assessment of the outcome.
Impartial Audit Demanded
The statement was also endorsed by the governments of Argentina, Costa Rica, Chile, Ecuador, the United States, Guatemala, Panama, Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay. These nations disapproved of the Venezuelan Supreme Court’s announcement, which aims to endorse the unsupported results presented by the electoral authority.
“Our countries have already expressed their disagreement with the validity of the CNE’s declaration after opposition representatives were denied access to the official count, the failure to publish the minutes, and the subsequent refusal to perform an impartial and independent audit of all the documents,” the statement read.
In this context, the signatory nations reiterated that “only an impartial audit independent of the votes, which reviews all the minutes, will ensure respect for the sovereign will of the people and democracy in Venezuela.”
“Like the rest of the international democratic community, we will persist in advocating for respect for the sovereign expression of the Venezuelan people who spoke peacefully and resolutely on July 28,” they concluded.
Finally, the countries expressed their “deep concern and rejection of the human rights violations committed against citizens who peacefully demand respect for the electoral vote and the restoration of democracy.”
The Foreign Ministry reported that Peru and 10 other American countries issued a joint statement regarding the ruling of the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) of Venezuela concerning the presidential elections held on July 28. The TSJ, led by magistrates aligned with the Chavez regime, confirmed the official results of the election, declaring Nicolás Maduro the winner amid accusations of fraud domestically and internationally.
The president of the TSJ, Caryslia Rodriguez, stated, “This Electoral Chamber validates the results of the presidential election of July 28 issued by the National Electoral Council (CNE),” during a session attended by high-ranking state officials and diplomatic representatives.
Impartial Audit Demanded
The joint statement was signed by the governments of Argentina, Costa Rica, Chile, Ecuador, United States, Guatemala, Panama, Paraguay, Dominican Republic, and Uruguay. These nations voiced their rejection of the Venezuelan Supreme Court’s announcement, which seeks to validate the dubious results issued by the electoral body.
The statement emphasized that these governments had previously expressed their disapproval of the CNE’s announcement, due to the denial of access for opposition representatives to the official count, the non-publication of electoral documents, and the refusal to conduct an impartial and independent audit of the votes.
They reiterated that “only an impartial audit and independence of the votes, which evaluates all the minutes, will guarantee respect for the sovereign popular will and democracy in Venezuela.” The nations expressed their commitment to continue advocating for the respect of the sovereign expression of the Venezuelan people, who asserted their will peacefully and forcefully on July 28.
Human Rights Concerns
Furthermore, the signatory countries displayed their “deep concern and rejection of the human rights violations” perpetrated against citizens who peacefully demand respect for their votes and the restoration of democracy. Human rights abuses have been a persistent issue in Venezuela, with increasing reports of violence against protesters and activists trying to bring about change.
Background on Venezuela’s Political Turmoil
Venezuela has been grappling with a significant political crisis for several years, marked by hyperinflation, shortages of basic necessities, and widespread corruption. Nicolás Maduro’s administration has faced allegations of authoritarianism, with many accusing it of undermining democracy and violating human rights. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely as the struggle for democracy in Venezuela unfolds.
International Responses to Venezuelan Elections
We recommend you
Summary of International Positioning
| Country | Stance on Venezuelan Elections |
|---|---|
| Argentina | Opposes validity of CNE’s declaration |
| Costa Rica | Calls for independent audit |
| Chile | Supports Venezuelan citizens’ rights |
| Ecuador | Demands democracy restoration |
| United States | Rejects electoral fraud claims |
| Guatemala | Advocates for humanitarian aid |
| Panama | Endorses peaceful protests |
| Paraguay | Rejects human rights violations |
| Dominican Republic | Denounces electoral fraud |
| Uruguay | Supports impartial investigations |
Implications for Venezuelan Society
The implications of the recent electoral validations by the Venezuelan TSJ extend beyond politics and governance; they touch on the social fabric of Venezuelan society itself. Citizens are grappling with the daily realities of a crumbling economy, where inflation rates are astronomical and basic goods are scarce. The results of the July 28 elections and the subsequent international response could either galvanize a push for change or deepen the despair felt by many in the country.
Civil Society’s Role in Democracy
Civil society organizations in Venezuela, alongside empowered individuals, play a crucial role in advocating for human rights and democratic governance. These entities often mobilize communities, provide essential services, and support independent media efforts that cross the barriers imposed by the regime. As the global community continues to respond to the electoral situation, the importance of a resilient civil society in sustaining democracy is paramount.
Practical Tips for International Involvement
- Stay Informed: Follow reputable news sources to get updated reports on Venezuela’s situation.
- Support NGOs: Contribute to or volunteer with non-profit organizations working to support Venezuelan refugees and displaced persons.
- Advocate: Use social media platforms to raise awareness and call for international political pressure on the Venezuelan government.
- Engage with Local Communities: Participate in or organize events that educate about Venezuelan issues and mobilize support.
Real-life Impact on Venezuelans
Families in Venezuela face drastic choices daily, balancing the need for basic nourishment against rising costs and scarce opportunities. The economic crisis has also prompted an unprecedented migration wave, with millions seeking safer and more prosperous lives abroad. This humanitarian crisis underlines the urgency of restoring democratic processes and stability in Venezuela and the importance of international solidarity.
Calls for Continued International Pressure
As the situation in Venezuela remains volatile, the call for continued international pressure is vital. The ongoing discussions among the American nations seeking to validate democracy in Venezuela underscore the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding democratic principles. Upholding human rights and ensuring electoral integrity are paramount not only for the Venezuelan people but for the entire region’s stability and peace.
