Brussels 05.08.2024 “The European Union continues to follow developments in Venezuela with great concern. Reports from international election observation missions clearly state that the presidential elections on 28th July did not meet international standards of electoral integrity” reads the statement by the European top diplomat Josep Borrell on behalf of the EU on post-election developments.

“Despite its own commitment, the National Electoral Council of Venezuela (CNE) has not yet published the official voting records (“actas”) of polling stations. Without evidence to support them, the results published on 2nd August by the CNE cannot be recognised. Any attempt to delay the full publication of the official voting records will only cast further doubt on the credibility of the officially published results.

“Copies of the electoral voting records published by the opposition, and reviewed by several independent organisations, indicate that Edmundo González Urrutia would appear to be the winner of the Presidential elections by a significant majority.

“The European Union thus calls for further independent verification of the electoral records, if possible by an internationally reputed entity.

“At this critical time, it is important that demonstrations and protests remain peaceful. The European Union calls for calm and restraint. Venezuelan authorities, including security forces, must fully respect human rights, including freedom of expression and of assembly.

“The European Union is seriously concerned about the growing number of arbitrary detentions and the continued harassment of the opposition. The European Union calls on Venezuelan authorities to put an end to arbitrary detentions, repression and violent rhetoric against members of the opposition and civil society, and to release all political prisoners.

“The European Union welcomes the efforts of regional partners, with whom it remains in close contact, 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 to solve the current humanitarian and socio-economic crisis”.

Along with the calls of the High Representative Josep Borrell, seven EU member-states including France, Germany and Spain have addressed Venezuela’s authorities, requesting publication of the electoral rolls from last week’s election after President Nicolas Maduro was declared the winner despite independent tallies showing the opposition candidate won significantly more votes.

At present the Venezuelan regime led by Nicolás Maduro Moros, remains plagued by criminality and corruption. For more than 20 years, Maduro and a number of high-ranking colleagues allegedly conspired with the FARC, causing tons of cocaine exports. The exports which is feeding the extensive corruption within the Venezuelan government – a system constructed and controlled to enrich those at the highest levels of power.

Meanwhile the U.S. government on recognized Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo González as the winner of the South American country’s presidential election, discrediting the results announced by electoral authorities who declared President Nicolás Maduro the victor.
The whereabouts of González are unknown.