Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called the July presidential election in Venezuela a “mistake,” retracting his previous support. He expressed concern over the lack of free voting due to an alleged blockade, which coincided with disputed election results where both Maduro and his rival claimed victory. Petro has lost faith in diplomatic efforts to assess the situation, urging for transparency in the electoral process.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro, an ally of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, has publicly retracted his endorsement of the recent presidential election in Venezuela, labeling the vote a “mistake.” In an interview with Globo News during his visit to Brazil for the G20 summit, President Petro expressed his disillusionment, stating, “I think the elections were a mistake. Looking back, I was in favor of them being held, but there is no free vote if there is a blockade.” This shift in opinion comes in the wake of a contentious election held on July 28, in which both Maduro and his principal challenger asserted victory. Despite the outcry surrounding the electoral legitimacy, Petro had previously joined with fellow leftist leaders in an attempt to stabilize relations amid the election chaos. However, he now asserts that efforts for a diplomatic resolution have faltered, indicating a lack of confidence in a unified approach towards Venezuela’s political future. At the core of the electoral dispute are the tally sheets generated by voting machines, which serve as a crucial record of each candidate’s votes. Although Venezuela’s electoral authorities have customarily published comprehensive results, they claimed a hacking incident on July 29 prevented the release of this information. In contrast, opposition leaders managed to obtain and disseminate tally sheets from over 80% of the machines, asserting that Edmundo González, their candidate, had won decisively against Maduro. President Petro has urged the Venezuelan government to reveal detailed election results, noting that the withholding of this information has contributed to a “dark map” of the electoral process. No comment has been received from the Venezuelan government regarding these claims. The next presidential term in Venezuela is set to commence on January 10, creating further urgency for clarity in the electoral proceedings.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has historically backed Nicolas Maduro, aligning with him and other leftist leaders in their diplomatic overtures towards Venezuela. The recent presidential election, characterized by disputes over its legitimacy, has drawn considerable scrutiny, particularly following accusations of electoral malpractice. The publication of vote tallies, traditionally a standard practice, has become a contentious issue since the Venezuelan electoral authority halted the release of detailed election results citing cyber-attacks, further complicating the political landscape.
In conclusion, President Gustavo Petro’s recent remarks on the Venezuelan presidential election signify a notable shift in his stance, casting doubt on the electoral process and highlighting the complexities of the situation in Venezuela. His acknowledgment of the elections as a “mistake” underscores the broader implications for regional politics and the ongoing struggle for democratic integrity in Venezuela as the nation approaches a new presidential term.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
