In a scathing report released by the Organization of American States (OAS), the Department of Electoral Cooperation and Observation (DECO) has declared that the results of the Venezuelan presidential elections held on July 28, 2024, cannot be recognized. The report, addressed to OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro, outlines a series of irregularities and systemic issues that marred the electoral process, ultimately undermining the integrity of the elections.
Election Results and Immediate Reactions
The National Electoral Council (CNE) announced Nicolás Maduro as the winner of the presidential election, claiming he received 51.2% of the votes compared to 44.2% for his main opponent, Edmundo González. However, the OAS report highlights significant discrepancies between these official results and independent assessments, including exit polls and citizen-led verification efforts, which indicated a substantial lead for González.
The CNE’s announcement came more than six hours after the polls closed, with the council providing no detailed breakdown of the results or access to official tally sheets. The report criticized the CNE for characterizing the results as “irreversible” despite evident arithmetical errors and a lack of transparency.
Systematic Intimidation and Repression
The OAS report details a coordinated strategy by the Maduro regime to undermine the electoral process through intimidation, political persecution, and the banning of opposition candidates. Notably, María Corina Machado, a leading opposition figure and winner of the primary elections, was disqualified from running, a move widely seen as politically motivated.
In the lead-up to the elections, the report notes that over 135 arbitrary arrests were made, many targeting individuals associated with the opposition. The atmosphere of fear was palpable, with reports of violence, forced disappearances, and harassment of opposition supporters. On election day, incidents of intimidation were reported, including the presence of pro-government groups near polling stations.
Lack of Transparency and Observational Access
The OAS report emphasizes the critical role of transparency in electoral processes, noting that the CNE obstructed both national and international observers from monitoring the elections effectively. While the CNE accredited a few civil society organizations as observers, it denied access to more prominent electoral observation missions, including the European Union and the Carter Center.
The report also highlights the CNE’s refusal to allow opposition witnesses into polling stations, further eroding trust in the electoral process. Despite these challenges, domestic observers reported that opposition witnesses were present in approximately 90% of polling stations.
Electoral Manipulation and Clientelism
The report outlines how the Maduro government utilized state resources for electoral advantage, including the distribution of social assistance in exchange for political support. This practice, coupled with the lack of a clear legal framework governing campaign financing, created an uneven playing field that favored the ruling party.
The OAS report also criticized the CNE for its lack of independence, noting that the council is composed of individuals closely aligned with the Maduro regime. This compromised the integrity of the electoral body and raised questions about its ability to conduct free and fair elections.
Call for Accountability
In light of the overwhelming evidence of irregularities, the OAS has concluded that the official results of the Venezuelan presidential elections are untrustworthy and do not merit democratic recognition. The report calls for immediate transparency regarding the tally sheets and urges the international community to hold the Maduro regime accountable for its actions.
As protests erupted across Venezuela in response to the election results, the OAS report serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for democracy in the country. The Venezuelan people, who demonstrated a strong commitment to exercising their democratic rights, now face an uncertain future as the regime continues to consolidate power and suppress dissent.
We acknowledge The European Times for the information.
