Guyana Advocates for Transparent Process in Venezuelan Election Results Amid Global Reactions

GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to a transparent verification process for the Venezuelan election results, emphasizing that the Guyanese government is not passing judgment on the election’s fairness. During a press conference after the CARICOM summit on Tuesday, President Ali stressed that Guyana’s focus is on ensuring that all electoral processes follow legal and procedural standards.

Ali highlighted that the Guyanese government recognizes all stages of an election, including pre-election, election day, and post-election processes. He emphasized the importance of adhering to established election laws and systems. The statement from Georgetown was described as factual, supporting international calls for activating specific aspects of Venezuela’s electoral process. Ali clarified that this support should not be seen as skepticism about the election’s fairness.

Previously, Georgetown issued a statement underscoring the principle that elections should be free, fair, and transparent, reflecting the will of the people. The statement called for the highest standards of accountability and transparency to maintain electoral integrity. It emphasized the need for all electoral mechanisms to be followed, demonstrating Guyana’s support for credible electoral processes.

Protests have erupted in Venezuela after the election board announced President Nicolás Maduro’s victory with 51% of the vote, securing a third six-year term and extending the “Chavista” movement’s rule for over 25 years. The opposition, viewing the election board as aligned with a dictatorial regime, disputed the results, claiming their tallies showed opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez receiving more than twice Maduro’s votes.

The unrest in Venezuela has drawn international attention. The United States has suggested it may impose additional sanctions on individuals linked to the election unless transparency improves. Conversely, China and Russia have congratulated Maduro. CARICOM member states have shown varied responses, with some endorsing the results and others taking a neutral stance.

CARICOM Chairman and Grenadian Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell, addressed the issue, stating that the situation should not be seen as dividing the regional bloc. Mitchell explained that since Venezuela is not a CARICOM member, the bloc’s role is limited to acknowledging the elections and ensuring Venezuelan citizens’ democratic rights are respected. He noted that CARICOM members can express their individual positions but emphasized no significant division within the organization on this matter.

Mitchell also remarked that while the election results are being disputed, there is no evidence that the verification process itself is flawed. He reiterated that election disputes are common and that CARICOM’s observation of these events does not indicate a consensus or division within the bloc.

In addition to the Venezuelan election issue, CARICOM leaders have renewed their call for the United States to lift its embargo on Cuba. The embargo, in place for over six decades, has been criticized by CARICOM for worsening Cuba’s humanitarian situation. Regional leaders have requested an end to the “unjust unilateral embargo” and pledged material support to Cuba. CARICOM has also condemned Cuba’s inclusion on the U.S. State Department’s list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, calling for its immediate removal.