China, Caracas’ traditional ally, supported Venezuelan power on Friday in the organization of the July 28 presidential election, criticized by the opposition and Washington, condemning “external interference”.
“We respect Venezuela’s national and sovereign independence, we support Venezuela in holding elections in accordance with its constitution and laws, and we oppose any external interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs,” Lin said. Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, at a press conference, calling on the international community to “play a positive and constructive role.”
Washington condemned on Wednesday the fact that certain opposition candidates were unable to register for the presidential election.
“Acceptance by the National Electoral Council [CNE] “only opposition candidates with whom President Nicolas Maduro and his representatives are comfortable runs counter to competitive and inclusive elections,” according to a statement from State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
“They must allow free and fair elections to be held,” Mr. Miller said on Thursday, stressing that the attitude of the Venezuelan government would have “consequences”, referring to the economic sanctions temporarily lifted for six months but which must resume in April .
The international community called for support
The leader of the Venezuelan opposition, Maria Corina Machado, on Friday asked for the support of the international community to obtain the registration of Corina Yoris, whom she designated to replace her.
“I call on the world’s democratic leaders to join the efforts of presidents and governments to demand that the regime of [Nicolas] Maduro allows the registration of Corina Yoris,” declared Mr.me Machado on X (formerly Twitter), while the opposition tried in vain to register him. Many suspect the National Electoral Council (CNE) of having knowingly blocked its registration.
Winner of the opposition primary but declared ineligible, Maria Corina Machado had appointed Corina Yoris, an 80-year-old political novice and academic, to replace her.
But this could not be registered, without the CNE providing an explanation, before the “provisional” candidacy of Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, a former ambassador and political scientist, was finally accepted.
Part of the international community, led by the United States, did not recognize Maduro’s re-election in 2018 during a vote boycotted by the opposition. This led to economic sanctions and severely repressed demonstrations.
In total, 13 candidates including Maduro, who is seeking a third six-year term, are registered for this one-round election. Among them, nine present themselves as opponents but are considered by the opposition to be close to power and intended to divide the vote.