The self-proclaimed president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, who according to the country's Electoral Council was re-elected for the term 2025-2031, has ordered the "immediate" expulsion of diplomats from Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, Dominican Republic, and Uruguay, citing "interfering actions and statements" from their governments. Maduro's administration also announced the withdrawal of its delegations from these countries.
"The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela firmly rejects the interventionist actions and declarations of a group of right-wing governments, subservient to Washington and openly aligned with the sordid ideological tenets of international fascism, attempting to revive the failed and defeated Lima Group, aiming to discredit the electoral results of the presidential elections held this Sunday, July 28, 2024," read a statement from Foreign Minister Yvan Gil on X.
The announcement came just hours after these countries, along with Paraguay and Ecuador, demanded a comprehensive review of the election results and called for an urgent meeting of the Organization of American States (OEA).
Among the first to react to Maduro's proclamation was Chilean President Gabriel Boric, who stated on his X account that "the Maduro regime must understand that the published results are hard to believe." Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou also questioned the election process, citing irregularities and declaring that it was "clearly flawed" and that "a victory cannot be recognized if there is no trust in the methods and mechanisms used."
Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves labeled the elections as "fraudulent" in a statement, declaring that his government "categorically repudiates the proclamation of Nicolás Maduro as president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela." Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino announced the suspension of diplomatic relations with Venezuela and the withdrawal of his country's personnel from the South American nation.
Nevertheless, Venezuela's National Electoral Council (CNE) officially declared Nicolás Maduro as president on Monday, following the council's announcement on Sunday night that Maduro, in power since 2013, won the election with 51.2% of the vote—a result rejected by the majority opposition and much of the international community.
Frequently Asked Questions on Venezuela's Diplomatic Crisis
This section answers common questions regarding the recent expulsion of diplomats by Nicolás Maduro and the ensuing political situation in Venezuela.
Why did Nicolás Maduro expel diplomats from seven Latin American countries?
Nicolás Maduro expelled the diplomats in response to what he called "interfering actions and statements" from these countries' governments, which questioned the legitimacy of his re-election.
What was the reaction of the international community to Maduro's re-election?
Several countries, including Chile, Uruguay, Costa Rica, and Panama, have rejected the election results, citing irregularities and lack of transparency in the electoral process.
What actions did other countries take in response to the electoral results in Venezuela?
Countries like Panama have suspended diplomatic relations with Venezuela, while others have called for a comprehensive review of the election results and an urgent meeting of the Organization of American States (OEA).