Venezuela Revokes EU Election Observation Mission
Venezuela has officially withdrawn its invitation to the European Union (EU) to observe the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for July 28, 2024. National Electoral Council (CNE) head Elvis Amoroso announced the decision, citing the EU's 'neocolonialist and interventionist practices', which he claimed were against the interests of the Venezuelan people. Amoroso described the observation mission as 'immoral' under these conditions.
The tension between Venezuela and the EU has escalated due to a series of sanctions imposed by the bloc on 50 Venezuelan government officials in recent weeks. Amoroso criticized these sanctions, stating that they have caused 'incalculable patrimonial damage' to the country, affecting crucial sectors like healthcare and food access. He called for the 'total lifting' of these sanctions to alleviate the suffering of the Venezuelan population.
Earlier invitations had been extended to the United Nations, the US-based Carter Center, BRICS, and the African Union to observe the presidential elections. Despite the recent invitation withdrawal to the EU, Venezuela maintains its broad call for international electoral oversight, reaffirming the invitation to other organizations. However, all participants must comply with Venezuelan laws and the Constitution.
The developments are part of the larger context of the Barbados Agreements, which saw the government and opposition agreeing to hold 'a free and fair vote in 2024 in the presence of international observers'. This agreement previously led to the easing of some US sanctions on Venezuela, allowing Chevron to resume limited oil extraction and facilitating a prisoner swap.
However, the political landscape remains strained. President Nicolás Maduro, who is seeking a third term, faces accusations of rigging the electoral process. His main rival, opposition primary winner Maria Corina Machado, remains disqualified on charges deemed spurious by many observers. Additionally, several opposition leaders and activists have been arrested, raising concerns about the fairness and transparency of the upcoming elections.
- The EU had reported they were preparing a group of about 100 experts to participate in the election observation mission. This mission was seen as a part of the Barbados Agreements, designed to determine political and electoral conditions for the presidential election. An exploration mission had already visited Venezuela in April to evaluate conditions for the deployment of this observation mission.
- However, the Venezuelan government remains firm on its stance against the EU amidst the ongoing political wrangling. Amoroso emphasized that, while the EU is now excluded, the invitations to other international bodies, such as the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the African Union, still stand. These bodies are expected to adhere strictly to Venezuelan laws during their observation missions.
- The ongoing diplomatic conflict highlights the broader struggle for power within Venezuela, where ten presidential candidates, including President Maduro and majority opposition group candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, are vying for leadership. The international community continues to watch closely, as the legitimacy of the election could have significant geopolitical implications.
