Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and the Dominican Republic have rejected the inauguration of Nicolás Maduro for a third term in Venezuela, citing fraudulent electoral practices. The opposition claims victory for candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, while Maduro’s administration has faced accusations of state terror and human rights violations. The ADD remains committed to advocating for democratic transition in Venezuela, amidst rising numbers of politically motivated arrests.
On January 10, 2019, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and the Dominican Republic formally rejected the inauguration of President Nicolás Maduro for a third term in Venezuela, which they consider to be a result of fraudulent electoral practices. The four nations, members of the Alliance for Development in Democracy (ADD), condemned the inauguration as an illegitimate event facilitated by state-sponsored terror against the Venezuelan populace. This condemnation follows international criticism from both the United States and the European Union regarding the transparency of Maduro’s electoral process, which has been fraught with allegations of fraud.
President Maduro, having held office since 2013, faced significant unrest as opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia declared his victory in the disputed elections held on July 28. Urrutia, currently in exile, labeled Maduro’s inauguration a “coup d’état,” asserting that he received overwhelming support in the polls. The ADD emphasizes that there exists substantial evidence demonstrating that the electorate voted in favor of Urrutia amid claims that Maduro only garnered 52% of the votes according to the Venezuelan electoral authority, which has not provided public access to the comprehensive electoral tally as mandated by law.
Continuing their advocacy for democracy, the ADD affirmed their commitment to collaborate with the international community to achieve a democratic transition in Venezuela, denouncing what they termed as widespread human rights abuses. Reports from Alfredo Romero, president of the NGO Foro Penal, indicate that there have been 49 politically motivated arrests in Venezuela since the beginning of the year, prompting calls from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the release of all individuals detained without due process.
The political landscape in Venezuela has increasingly become a focal point of international concern, particularly since the rise of Nicolás Maduro to the presidency in 2013. His regime has faced accusations of electoral fraud and human rights violations, culminating in widespread civil unrest and challenges from opposition parties. The inauguration that took place on January 10, 2019, was marked by further allegations of illegitimacy and was met with strong resistance from several Latin American countries. Historical ties between these nations and Venezuela make their opposition particularly significant in the context of regional politics and diplomatic relations.
In conclusion, the strong rejection of Nicolás Maduro’s inauguration by Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and the Dominican Republic underscores a collective stance against what they perceive as fraudulent practices undermining democracy in Venezuela. The ongoing struggles of the Venezuelan populace, alongside calls for international action to restore human rights and democratic governance, reflect the urgency of addressing the current Venezuelan crisis. The continued engagement of the ADD and supportive international entities could be pivotal in fostering a peaceful resolution to these pressing issues.
Original Source: ticotimes.net
