In a context of uncertainty and expectations, the government of President Joe Biden He assured that he is closely following the development of presidential elections in Venezuelascheduled for this Sunday.
Senior US officials cited by CNN They called on the regime to Nicolas Maduro to allow the electoral process to develop in a free and fair manner, despite the numerous obstacles faced by Venezuelan voters.
During a conference call with reporters, officials reiterated U.S. support for peaceful and transparent elections.
“Our messages are simple: We support peaceful elections in Venezuela on July 28, and the United States is prepared to work with the winner of these elections as long as there is a transparent and fair electoral process, verified by domestic and international observers,” said a senior Biden administration official.
The US’s concerns are not unfounded. In the days leading up to the elections, there has been an increase in the arrests of figures from the democratic opposition.
US officials criticized Maduro for arbitrary imprisonment opposition members, leaders and campaign workers. However, they acknowledged the unprecedented unity among opposition leaders, who have consolidated their support for candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, as a sign of the resilience and determination of the Venezuelan people.
“This unprecedented unity among opposition leaders is a testament to their resilience and determination to offer Venezuelans a genuine choice in Sunday’s elections,” one official said.
Despite the difficultiesthere is a clear interest among citizens across the country, from major cities to rural communities, to participate in the electoral process and exercise their democratic rights.
Nicolás Maduro, who has been in power since the death of his predecessor Hugo Chavez In 2013, he has been frequently accused of manipulate electoral processes and of silence the opposition.
The 2018 electionswhich reaffirmed Maduro’s presidency, were boycotted by the opposition and described as illegitimate by a coalition of Latin American countries, Canada and the United States, as well as by the Organization of American States (OAS), which called them a “farce.”
Significant changes were expected in the 2024 elections following Maduro’s promise to Washington to hold free and fair elections in exchange for sanctions relief. However, US officials warned that are prepared to impose additional sanctions if the democratic process is not carried out properly during Sunday’s elections.
“The United States is prepared to calibrate its sanctions policy based on developments in Venezuela,” the officials said. “There have been periods when we have provided sanctions relief in exchange for certain commitments, and times when we have imposed additional sanctions when we have deemed it necessary for our national interests.”
The Biden administration has left open the possibility of negotiating a post-election transition if the election is conducted fairly. It has also pledged to work with the democratically elected winner.
“In a scenario in which Maduro does not win the election, the United States stands ready to support a peacefully negotiated post-election period and consider measures that facilitate a peaceful transition of power. In the meantime, we call on both sides to avoid retaliation and to work together for the good of the Venezuelan people,” the officials concluded.
The entire world is closely watching the outcome of these elections, which could mark a turning point in Venezuela’s recent history and determine the future of its international relations, especially with the United States.