The Foreign Ministers of the G7 (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, along with the High Representative of the European Union) issued a joint statement expressing their solidarity with the people of Venezuela. The statement highlighted the peaceful participation of the Venezuelan people in the July 28 presidential elections and raised serious concerns about irregularities observed during the electoral process.
"We, the Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the EU, express our solidarity with the people of Venezuela who exercised their right to vote peacefully by turning out in large numbers on July 28 to determine the future of their country," the statement read.
The governments of the world's most developed and influential nations emphasized in the statement that "reports from both national and international independent observers have raised serious concerns regarding the announced results of the Venezuelan presidential elections and the manner in which the electoral process was conducted."
They also focused on "the irregularities and lack of transparency in the final vote count," highlighting elements that both the Venezuelan opposition and the international community consider evidence of massive fraud committed by the regime of Nicolás Maduro.
"It is imperative that the results reflect the will of the Venezuelan people. We urge the relevant authorities to publish detailed electoral results with complete transparency and call on electoral representatives to immediately share all information with the opposition and independent observers," the G7 Foreign Ministers stated.
In light of the initial signs of widespread repression by the Chavista regime, the G7 nations urged the authorities "to exercise maximum restraint in the country and to reach a peaceful, democratic solution led by Venezuelans."
International Reactions
The international community's recognition of the electoral process in Venezuela is increasingly leaning towards the results presented by the opposition, which has compiled and published its records (over 80%) that demonstrate a decisive victory for Edmundo González Urrutia over Maduro.
Like the United States, the governments of Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Peru, and Costa Rica have recognized opposition candidate Edmundo González as the elected president of Venezuela and consider Maduro's proclaimed victory as fraudulent.
However, the Venezuelan government's response has been one of rejection, announcing the withdrawal of its diplomatic personnel from seven countries, including several G7 nations, in response to what it calls interference in its internal affairs.
The July 28 presidential elections in Venezuela have been highly controversial, with multiple reports of irregularities and lack of transparency in the vote count. National and international observers have pointed out issues that have cast doubt on the legitimacy of the results, leading to international calls for a thorough and transparent review of the electoral process.
Key Questions About the Venezuelan Presidential Elections
Given the recent developments and international reactions concerning the Venezuelan presidential elections, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide clarity on the situation.
Why did the G7 issue a statement about the Venezuelan elections?
The G7 issued a statement to express their solidarity with the Venezuelan people and to raise serious concerns about irregularities observed during the electoral process.
What irregularities were reported in the Venezuelan elections?
Reports from both national and international observers highlighted irregularities and a lack of transparency in the final vote count, which have raised doubts about the legitimacy of the results.
Which countries have recognized Edmundo González as the elected president of Venezuela?
The United States, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Peru, and Costa Rica have recognized Edmundo González as the elected president of Venezuela.