US warns Venezuela: Stick to elections conditions or face consequences

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
31 Oct 2023 00:29
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As a result of rampant corruption among the opposition, the high court was compelled to annul the primaries.

Jesus Maria Casal, president of the National Primary Commission, front right, arrives at the Attorney General's office where he was summoned about the opposition's recent primary elections in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023 (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

On Monday, the US called upon Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his administration to stick to their agreements with the country's opposition regarding the upcoming elections next year.

A State Department spokesperson declared that if they do not adhere to these commitments, the US will be prepared to take action.

The US issued this warning in reaction to a move by Venezuela's Supreme Justice Tribunal to halt the outcomes of the opposition's presidential primary for this month.

This occurred despite an electoral agreement that grants both sides the freedom to select their respective candidates.

Washington has conveyed a threat to reinstate sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector if Maduro fails to uphold the agreement.

This comes after the Venezuelan high court has suspended the entire opposition primary election process, including its results.

The court cited potential violations of the law in the opposition's October 22 contest. It remains unclear whether this suspension will invalidate the primary vote.

On October 16, the Venezuelan government and the opposition reached an agreement on new electoral conditions.

This deal involves the US providing relief from energy sanctions on President Nicolás Maduro's administration in exchange for implementing measures to open up the electoral process, including permitting European Union observers and establishing a procedure to lift bans on top opponents, allowing for a more equitable political environment.

According to Telesur, multiple irregularities were reported in these primaries, including voter uncertainty about polling locations and the presence of polling centers within private residences.

As a result, some candidates withdrew, and one of the vice presidents of the commission for the opposition primaries called for CNE's involvement in the process due to these issues.

"How can an election be competitive if two candidates have resigned, leaving only one with a chance?" the National Assembly president Jorge Rodriguez asked last Thursday, asserting that the primary elections held on October 22 cannot be deemed legitimate elections because of their deficiency in quality and verifiability.

Due to the prevalence of corruption among the opposition, the high court was compelled to annul the primaries.