Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and the Dominican Republic rejected Nicolás Maduro’s inauguration as illegitimate due to alleged electoral fraud. The opposition leader claims victory in the presidential elections, labeling the ceremony a coup d’état. The ADD emphasizes the need for a democratic transition amid ongoing human rights violations in Venezuela, with alarming reports of political arrests since the year’s start.
On Saturday, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and the Dominican Republic collectively denounced the inauguration of Nicolás Maduro for a third term as President of Venezuela. Each government, part of the Alliance for Development in Democracy (ADD), condemned the inauguration as an illegitimate event stemming from what they characterize as electoral fraud and state terror directed against the Venezuelan populace. The ADD asserts that the recent elections lacked credibility and emphasized a commitment to promoting a democratic transition in the country.
Maduro, who has held the presidency since 2013, was sworn in amidst contestation from multiple nations, including the United States and the European Union. The opposition leader, Edmundo González Urrutia, claims to have triumphed in the election held on July 28, asserting that Maduro’s inauguration resembles a coup d’état. In a video message shared on social media, Gonzalez declared, “He crowns himself dictator.”
The ADD posits that there is substantial evidence indicating that voters overwhelmingly supported González, while the Venezuelan electoral authority reported Maduro received 52% of the votes, yet has not disclosed the detailed ballot count as mandated by law. The opposition asserts that González secured approximately 70% of the public’s vote. Furthermore, the ADD reaffirmed its intent to collaborate with the international community to facilitate a democratic reform that addresses human rights abuses in Venezuela.
Alfredo Romero, president of the NGO Foro Penal, reported alarming figures of political repression within the country, noting “49 politically motivated arrests in Venezuela” since the start of the year. The situation has garnered concern from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who has urged the release of individuals detained without just cause.
The political landscape in Venezuela remains fraught with tension as President Nicolás Maduro’s administration faces significant scrutiny from both domestic and international observers. His leadership has been marked by allegations of electoral irregularity and human rights violations. The recent inauguration sparked outrage among several Latin American countries, which deem his electoral victory as illegitimate. These nations have formed coalitions aimed at fostering democratic governance and highlighting the plight of the Venezuelan people amidst the ongoing crisis.
In conclusion, the rejection of Nicolás Maduro’s inauguration by Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and the Dominican Republic underscores the growing international concern regarding the legitimacy of his presidency. The opposition’s claims of electoral fraud and the reported human rights abuses painted a troubling picture of Venezuela’s current state. The ADD’s commitment to seeking a democratic transition reflects a critical effort to address these issues, with the hope of restoring the fundamental rights of the Venezuelan populace.
Original Source: ticotimes.net
