Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and the Dominican Republic have rejected Nicolás Maduro’s inauguration for a third term in Venezuela, deeming the elections fraudulent. The opposition claims victory for Edmundo González Urrutia, who denounces the inauguration as a coup. Reports indicate numerous political arrests, raising concerns about human rights in the country.
On Saturday, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and the Dominican Republic collectively denounced President Nicolás Maduro’s inauguration for a third term in Venezuela, labeling the event as illegitimate and fraudulent. These nations, which belong to the Alliance for Development in Democracy (ADD), issued a statement condemning the January 10 ceremony as a consequence of electoral fraud and intimidation tactics imposed on the Venezuelan populace. The ADD emphasizes their intention to collaborate with the international community to facilitate a democratic transition in Venezuela, aiming to end the ongoing oppression and human rights violations.
President Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, faced significant scrutiny during his inauguration, which has been contested by the United States, the European Union, and various Latin American countries. Edmundo González Urrutia, the opposition candidate, has claimed victory in the July 28 presidential election, denouncing the inauguration as a “coup d’état.” The ADD asserts there is substantial evidence supporting the claim that the electorate predominantly supported González Urrutia in a just electoral process.
According to the Venezuelan electoral authority, Maduro was declared the winner with 52% of the votes; however, they have yet to release the detailed electoral count required by law. In stark contrast, the opposition alleges that González Urrutia earned approximately 70% of the vote. Alfredo Romero, president of the NGO Foro Penal, reported 49 politically motivated arrests in Venezuela since the beginning of the year, further highlighting the troubling political climate in the country. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed grave concern regarding the situation and has called for the release of all individuals detained arbitrarily in Venezuela.
The political landscape in Venezuela has been marked by significant turmoil following the 2013 election of Nicolás Maduro. His administration has faced widespread allegations of electoral fraud and accusations of human rights violations. The opposition, led by figures such as Edmundo González Urrutia, has consistently challenged Maduro’s legitimacy and called for democratic transitions. Many international bodies, including the United States and the European Union, have voiced disapproval of the Venezuelan elections and the repressive measures against dissent. The conflict has resulted in increased political unrest, humanitarian crises, and a continuing exodus of Venezuelans seeking better conditions abroad.
The rejection of Nicolás Maduro’s inauguration by Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and the Dominican Republic emphasizes significant regional concerns about electoral integrity and human rights in Venezuela. The ADD’s condemnation reflects a broader call for democratic transitions and an end to state oppression. As the political crisis persists, both domestic opposition and international observers continue to advocate for justice and accountability in the Venezuelan electoral process.
Original Source: ticotimes.net
