Caracas rejects UN expert team’s report as 'unethical, propagandistic'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
14 Aug 2024 06:46

Venezuela condemns the UN electoral expert team's report as false and biased, accusing it of serving far-right interests and undermining trust in democratic institutions.

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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro speaks to the press before leaving the Supreme Court where he arrived for procedures related to the court's audit of election results in Caracas, August 9, 2024. (AP)

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela announced that it "firmly rejects the publication of the so-called 'preliminary report' by the UN electoral expert team," arguing that it "disseminates a series of lies and violates, both in content and style, not only the principles governing the experts' work but also represents a completely reckless act that undermines trust in the mechanisms designated for cooperation and technical assistance."

According to an official statement, Italian Domenico Tocciardi, Portuguese Fernanda Abreu, Guatemalan Rolly Dávila, and Mexican Lourdes González had extensive access throughout the entire electoral process, where President Nicolás Maduro Moros was confirmed as the winner by the National Electoral Council. They were able to witness the effective functioning of the Venezuelan system.

The statement explained that their "irresponsible writings are nothing more than propaganda serving the coup interests of the Venezuelan far right, with whom they consistently interacted before, during, and after the aforementioned elections." This right-wing faction allegedly planned to incite violence and ignored the election results that the "experts" are accused of deliberately obscuring.

Furthermore, the statement stressed that during their stay in Venezuela, these "so-called experts" frequently communicated with US State Department officials, implying that their statements were influenced by hostile instructions rather than their official duties.

The "unethical and unprofessional conduct of this group of operatives" has left a negative impression due to their wrongful actions and efforts to promote a violent agenda, the statement noted. Their sole aim, as stated, is "to harm Venezuelan democracy and sow doubts about the functioning of its constitutional institutions."

In conclusion, the statement asserted that "this attack on democracy by these fake electoral experts will also fail, and justice and respect for the sovereign will of the Venezuelan people will prevail."

Venezuelan Court launches criminal probe into opposition post-election

Earlier this month, Venezuelan prosecutors launched a criminal investigation against two opposition leaders for reportedly mobilizing the army to side "with the people" following the July 28 presidential elections.

On Monday, August 5, prosecutors revealed that charges have been raised against presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia and Maria Corina Machado, which include "announcing a false winner", instigating disobedience and insurrection, and conspiracy.

The Venezuelan National Electoral Council (CNE) said it provided the Supreme Court with the required and detailed documents needed to verify that President Nicolas Maduro won the elections.

"Everything requested by the republic's highest court has been submitted," CNE chairman Elvis Amoroso said.