María Corina Machado, a leading Venezuelan opposition figure, spoke out resolutely following the recent elections, denouncing electoral fraud and violent repression by the regime of Nicolás Maduro. Machado asserted that "Venezuela and the entire world know that violence is the last resort of Maduro's regime," highlighting the desperate nature of the government's actions.
According to Machado, the overwhelming electoral victory on July 28 was met with a brutal response from the regime, characterized by "murder, kidnapping, and persecution." She alerted the international community to the escalating violence, reporting that in the last 48 hours there have been "more than 177 arbitrary detentions, 11 forced disappearances, and at least 16 murders."
Machado stated that this repression is Maduro's "criminal response to the Venezuelan people who took to the streets with their families and communities to defend their sovereign decision to be free." She emphasized that these crimes will not go unpunished and extended her solidarity to the families of the victims, prisoners, and those persecuted for defending the electoral victory.
"To the families of the murdered, the prisoners, the persecuted, and the injured for defending the electoral victory of July 28, I send my words of solidarity and my conviction that we will consolidate the victory we have achieved. I have told you that we will go to the end, and we will go to the end!" she expressed emotionally.
Machado also thanked the election board members, witnesses, and volunteers, recognizing their valuable contribution. "I extend my gratitude as a Venezuelan and my acknowledgment for the historic service you have rendered to the Republic, to freedom, to democracy, and to your own children," she noted.
She concluded with a message of hope and determination: "Be proud. We will go to the end, and you will be members and witnesses to the consolidated victory."
This Wednesday, María Corina expressed her gratitude and rejected the offer of political asylum for herself and the president-elect Edmundo González Urrutia from the government of Costa Rica. "Our priority is the protection of our companions who are asylum seekers at the Argentine Embassy. My responsibility is to continue this struggle alongside the people. From Venezuela, thank you to the dear people and government of Costa Rica," she declared.
Edmundo González also expressed his gratitude to international organizations and states that have shown their support during Venezuela's crisis. "The international community and Venezuelans demand respect for the results and electoral transparency with the publication of all the records. The truth is the path to peace," González stated.
The Carter Center released a statement this Wednesday questioning the legitimacy of the presidential elections held in Venezuela, asserting that the elections did not meet international standards of electoral integrity. The organization noted that it could not verify or corroborate the authenticity of the presidential election results declared by the National Electoral Council (CNE) of Venezuela.
"The fact that the electoral authority did not announce results broken down by polling station constitutes a severe violation of electoral principles" and prevents the elections from being considered democratic, the statement said.
Key Issues in the Venezuelan Electoral Crisis
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the recent events in Venezuela, focusing on the electoral fraud and repression allegations.
What are the main allegations made by María Corina Machado?
María Corina Machado has alleged electoral fraud, violent repression, and human rights abuses, including arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, and murders by the Maduro regime.
How has the international community responded to the situation in Venezuela?
International organizations and several states have expressed support for the Venezuelan opposition, demanding respect for electoral results and transparency. The Carter Center has also questioned the legitimacy of the election.
What steps have been taken by the opposition following the elections?
The opposition, led by María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, has called for continued resistance and international pressure to ensure electoral integrity and human rights protection.