Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has voiced strong criticism against the Venezuelan government of Nicolás Maduro, labeling it a 'very unpleasant' regime with 'authoritarian bias.' Lula's comments come in the wake of the controversial July 28 presidential elections in Venezuela, where Maduro was declared the winner by the National Electoral Council (CNE) without adequate evidence to support the claim. The Brazilian president emphasized the need for transparency and insisted that the electoral results must be verified before any recognition of Maduro's victory can be made.
Lula's remarks reflect a growing concern among neighboring countries regarding the legitimacy of Maduro's government, as well as the increasing unrest within Venezuela, where protests against the election results have resulted in fatalities and numerous arrests. The opposition, led by María Corina Machado, has also rejected calls for new elections, arguing that Maduro could manipulate the process to ensure favorable outcomes for himself.
In a bid to mediate the escalating crisis, Lula and Colombian President Gustavo Petro have proposed the possibility of new elections or a temporary coalition government that would lead to free elections. However, this proposal has been met with skepticism from both Chavismo and opposition factions. The international community, including organizations like the Carter Center and the United Nations, has expressed concerns over the lack of transparency in the elections, further complicating the situation.
Amidst this political turmoil, Lula has called for the publication of the election minutes and has suggested that a non-partisan electoral committee oversee any potential new elections. He has also highlighted the necessity for international observers to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. While diplomatic efforts continue, the willingness of Maduro to engage in meaningful negotiations remains uncertain, raising questions about the future political landscape in Venezuela.
