The Colombian government on Monday urged Venezuelans to “reject violence” and “preserve peace” following Sunday’s presidential elections, after the National Electoral Council (CNE) declared President Nicolás Maduro the winner, a victory questioned by the opposition and much of the international community.
“The Government of Colombia urges the Venezuelan people, their political leaders and their authorities to reject violence, preserve peace, prioritize transparent and guaranteeing dialogue among all sectors to seek institutional and democratic agreements in the face of the current electoral situation in the country,” the Foreign Ministry said in a message published on X.
The message was posted after thousands of citizens took to the streets in Venezuela in violent protests after the CNE confirmed President Maduro’s victory with 51.2% of the votes.
By destroying public roads, toppling statues and intimidating the population that supports the government, violent protesters took over several points in Caracas and other cities in the country.
“Colombia, as part of the international community, will be ready to support the efforts necessary to guarantee peace, stability and the deepening of democracy in the region,” the Andean country’s Foreign Ministry added in its message.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has not yet commented on Sunday’s election, but his foreign minister, Luis Gilberto Murillo, who is closely linked to the United States, called for “the complete counting of votes, their verification and independent audit to be carried out as soon as possible.”
