The elections next Sunday in Venezuela do not meet the conditions to be fair or free, said Kevin O’Reilly, deputy undersecretary for the Americas of the State Department, who assured that Washington will support the efforts “to restore democracy” in the country.
“Conditions are not in place for free and fair elections in Venezuela“, he claimed O’Reilly during an Atlantic Council virtual forum.
On November 21, Venezuela will hold regional and municipal elections, which have the participation of the main opposition parties after three years of abstention and electoral boycott.
The United States accuses the regime of illegitimate President Nicolás Maduro of manipulation, whose re-election in 2018 it does not recognize, like 50 other countries of the international democratic community, for considering it fraudulent.
“The regime has tampered with voter lists and disavowed some opposition candidates from running for public office, without reason or justification, and has harassed others.“, said O’Reilly.
Mature accuses Washington of an alleged “conspiracy”.
O’Reilly states that “democratic opponents of madurismo and voters who decide to participate (in elections) choose to commit to a small step, just a gradual step towards democracy”.
The objective should be the celebration of “truly free and fair presidential elections through a democratic and renewed National Assembly (parliament), in accordance with Venezuelan constitutional norms and internationally recognized standards”Added the official.
The United States reiterates its support for the negotiations in Mexico between the Chavista regime, in power since 2013, and the Unitary Platform of Venezuela, which brings together the opposition.
This dialogue was suspended by the Chavista regime after the extradition to the United States of Alex Saab, a Colombian businessman considered a front man for Maduro.
“We are committed to continuing to support the negotiations and fully committed to continuing to support the efforts of Venezuelans to restore democracy in their society.“, he claimed O’Reilly.
The United States, the European Union and Canada have imposed numerous economic sanctions on Caracas, including a Washington blockade of Venezuelan crude.
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