IDU Statement on the Elections in Venezuela
On July 28th, 2024, Venezuela will hold its presidential election amidst a climate of unprecedented political repression perpetrated by the Maduro regime against the country’s democratic opposition.
Despite its assurances that it will allow free and fair elections to take place in exchange for the partial lifting of US sanctions, the regime has continued to disrupt the democratic process by disqualifying the unified opposition’s candidate, María Corina Machado, from participating in the election, despite winning the presidential primaries by a landslide margin. The government then proceeded to disqualify the opposition’s substitute candidate, Prof. Corina Yoris, as well.
The International Democracy Union commends the courage and determination shown by the millions of Venezuelans who took part in the primary process despite the numerous and often violent intimidation tactics employed by the regime to disrupt the vote. The steadfast work of María Corina Machado to restore Venezuela’s democracy and human rights has been vital in showing its citizens that a better future is not only possible, but closer than ever before.
We pledge our full support for the opposition’s current presidential candidate, career diplomat Edmundo González Urrutia, and we urge all Venezuelans who believe in their country’s democratic future to cast their ballots for him. We also call on the country’s state institutions, such as the armed forces and the judiciary, to respect the people’s will and ensure that it is implemented. Lastly, we encourage the international community to remain vigilant against all possible attempts to undermine the outcome of this election.
The IDU firmly believes that it is our duty, as members of the democratic world, to offer our unconditional support to the Venezuelan people’s struggle for freedom and dignity, and we will continue to do so until their inevitable triumph.