The European Union (EU) expressed its deep concern about the situation in Venezuela following the presidential elections of July 28, and stated in a statement that the regime did not comply with international standards of electoral integrity.
Venezuela’s National Electoral Council (CNE), despite its commitment, has not published the voting records from the polling stations. The EU stated that “without supporting evidence, the results published on 2 August by the CNE cannot be recognised.” It further noted that “any attempt to delay the full publication of the voting records will only cast further doubt on the credibility of the officially published results.”
Minutes published by the opposition and reviewed by independent organisations suggest that Edmundo González Urrutia would win by a significant majority. In response, the EU called for an independent verification of the electoral registers, indicating that it should be carried out “if possible by an entity with an international reputation”.
In this context, the EU stressed the importance of keeping demonstrations and protests peaceful. It called for calm and restraint, urging the Venezuelan authorities and security forces to “fully respect human rights, including freedom of expression and assembly.”
The bloc also expressed concern about the increase in arbitrary arrests and the continued harassment of the opposition. It demanded an end to these practices and the release of all political prisoners, stating that “the European Union is seriously concerned about the increasing number of arbitrary arrests and the continued harassment of the opposition.” It also welcomed the efforts of regional partners to promote dialogue and a negotiated solution to the crisis.
“Respecting the will of the Venezuelan people remains the only way for Venezuela to restore democracy and resolve the current humanitarian and socio-economic crisis,” the text states.
On Saturday, seven countries in the European Union had already asked the Chavista authorities to publish the voting records “in order to guarantee the full transparency and integrity of the electoral process.”
In this initiative, promoted by Italy and France, they expressed “deep concern about the situation in Venezuela following the presidential elections last Sunday.”
“We call on the Venezuelan authorities to publish all voting records without delay in order to guarantee the full transparency and integrity of the electoral process,” reads the text signed by Spain, Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Portugal.
The statement explains that “the opposition indicates that it has collected and published more than 80% of the voting records produced in each polling station” and that “this verification is essential to recognize the will of the Venezuelan people.”
“The rights of all Venezuelans, particularly political leaders, must be respected during this process. We strongly condemn any arrest or threat against them,” they added.
The signatory countries also stated that “the will of the Venezuelan people must be respected, as well as their right to protest and assemble peacefully.”
“We will continue to closely monitor the situation together with our partners and support the Venezuelan people’s call for democracy and peace,” the statement added.
