Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and the Dominican Republic condemned Nicolás Maduro’s inauguration, deeming it illegitimate due to alleged electoral fraud. Opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia claims victory in the elections, while reports indicate political arrests in Venezuela. The nations, part of the ADD, emphasize their support for a democratic transition and ongoing collaboration with the international community.
On Saturday, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and the Dominican Republic collectively condemned the inauguration of Nicolás Maduro for a third term as President of Venezuela. They described the ceremony as a product of electoral fraud and a violation of democratic principles, calling it the “illegitimate inauguration act of January 10”. The nations involved, part of the Alliance for Development in Democracy, emphasized their stance against Maduro’s presidency and highlighted concerns of state terrorism against the Venezuelan populace.
Maduro, who has governed since 2013, was sworn in amidst international scrutiny, including objections from the United States, the European Union, and various Latin American countries. Edmundo González Urrutia, the opposition presidential candidate, contends he legitimately won the July 28 elections. He has labeled the inauguration a “coup d’état” and criticized Maduro’s actions as dictatorial. According to the ADD, evidence supports that voters favored González Urrutia significantly.
The Venezuelan electoral authority announced Maduro received 52% of the vote; however, critics argue that González Urrutia truly garnered around 70%. The ADD reiterated its commitment to collaborating with the international community to facilitate a democratic transition in Venezuela, aimed at ending oppression and human rights abuses. Notably, Alfredo Romero of Foro Penal reported 49 politically motivated arrests in Venezuela since the year commenced, further underscoring the country’s tumultuous political climate. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the situation and called for the release of all who have been arbitrarily detained.
This article discusses the political situation in Venezuela, specifically the recent inauguration of Nicolás Maduro, which has been widely criticized by several Latin American countries. These nations, banded together under the Alliance for Development in Democracy, view the election process as heavily flawed and accuse Maduro’s government of unlawful practices. The opposition, led by Edmundo González Urrutia, has contested the election results, claiming a substantial majority. The involvement of international bodies and reports from NGOs highlight the ongoing human rights challenges within Venezuela.
In summary, the rejection of Nicolás Maduro’s inauguration by Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and the Dominican Republic reflects strong disapproval of his administration’s legitimacy and actions. The allegations of electoral fraud and human rights violations have sparked significant international concern, with calls for a democratic transition in Venezuela. As the political landscape remains volatile, the commitment of the ADD to advancing democracy and addressing oppression is crucial in shaping the country’s future.
Original Source: ticotimes.net
