Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Union stated that it does not recognize the proclaimed outcome of Venezuela’s election as the government in Caracas has failed to unleash the supporting voting records from polling stations.
The European Union persists in following developments in Venezuela with significant concern. According to the Press of EU Council, reports from international election observation missions clearly articulate that the presidential elections on 28th July did not satisfy international standards of electoral integrity.
What Are the Concerns About Venezuela’s Voting Records?
The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy stated that despite its promise, the National Electoral Council of Venezuela (CNE) has not yet issued the official voting records (“actas”) of polling stations. Without proof to support them, the results issued on 2nd August by the CNE cannot be recognised. Any attempt to hinder the full publication of the official voting records will only throw further doubt on the credibility of the officially published results.
Documents of the electoral voting records posted by the opposition, and checked by several independent organisations, indicate that Edmundo González Urrutia would seem to be the winner of the Presidential elections by a significant majority.
How Is the EU Responding to Venezuela’s Political Situation?
The European Union calls for further independent validation of the electoral records, if possible by an internationally reputed entity. At this crucial time, demonstrations and protests must remain coolheaded. The European Union calls for calm and restraint. Venezuelan leaders, including security forces, must fully respect human rights, including freedom of expression and assembly.
The European Union is extremely concerned about the growing number of arbitrary arrests and the continued harassment of the opposition. The European Union calls on Venezuelan management to put an end to arbitrary detentions, repression and fierce rhetoric against members of the opposition and civil society, and to discharge all political prisoners.
The European Union welcomes the actions of regional partners, with whom it remains in close contact, to encourage dialogue and a negotiated solution to the crisis. Respecting the will of the Venezuelan people remains the only method for Venezuela to restore democracy and decode the current humanitarian and socio-economic crisis.
