Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and the Dominican Republic denounce Maduro’s inauguration as illegitimate due to alleged electoral fraud. The ADD expresses commitment to seeking a democratic transition in Venezuela amid claims of repression and human rights violations. Opposition leader González Urrutia asserts he won the election, while Maduro’s authority remains contested internationally.
The governments of Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and the Dominican Republic have collectively condemned the inauguration of Nicolás Maduro as President of Venezuela for a third term, asserting that the electoral process which preceded it was fraudulent. The four nations, forming the Alliance for Development in Democracy (ADD), issued a statement denouncing the inauguration occurring on January 10, describing it as a result of electoral fraud facilitated by state-imposed terror against the Venezuelan populace.
Maduro has held the presidency since 2013, and his recent assumption of office has sparked criticism from the United States, the European Union, and several Latin American countries. Opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia, who alleges he emerged victorious in the July 28 elections, referred to the inauguration as an act of a “coup d’état.” He further contended, “He crowns himself dictator,” commenting on the illegitimacy of the event.
According to the ADD, there is substantial evidence indicating a peaceful and substantial vote for González Urrutia in the elections. The Venezuelan electoral authority announced Maduro’s victory with 52% of the votes, but has not yet released a detailed count, contravening legal requirements. The opposition asserts that González Urrutia garnered 70% support from the electorate.
The ADD expressed its commitment to collaborating with the international community to seek a democratic transition in Venezuela, aiming to end systemic oppression and human rights violations within the country. Alfredo Romero, president of the NGO Foro Penal, reported that 49 politically motivated arrests have occurred in the nation since the beginning of the year. Additionally, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced his concern regarding the situation in Venezuela, advocating for the release of all arbitrarily detained individuals.
The inaugural ceremony of Nicolás Maduro has been met with widespread condemnation from various nations and international bodies, who have cited concerns over election integrity in Venezuela. The Alliance for Development in Democracy, comprising Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, highlights the issue of electoral fraud and the repression faced by the Venezuelan people under Maduro’s regime. This response is situated within a larger context of ongoing political turmoil and human rights violations in Venezuela.
In summary, the inauguration of Nicolás Maduro for a third term has been rejected by several Latin American countries, citing fraudulent electoral practices and a lack of legitimacy. The opposition continues to challenge the results of the elections, asserting considerable support for their candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia. The commitment of the ADD to collaborate with international entities aims to foster a transition toward democracy and address human rights abuses in Venezuela.
Original Source: ticotimes.net
