The declaration by Venezuela electoral authority announcing President Nicolas Maduro as the winner of a third term in office after midnight on Monday was seen by leaders throughout the Americas despite several exit polls that indicated an opposition victory.
US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken
“We have just seen this statement from the Venezuelan electoral commission. We are seriously concerned that the outcome announced does not represent the will or votes of Venezuelans.”
President Gabriel Boric of Chile
“Maduro’s regime should comprehend how unbelievable these results are. From Chile we will not acknowledge any result that is not verifiable as demanded by the international community and, above all, the Venezuelan people including millions in exile.”
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo
“The international community must ensure transparency during elections, which accurately reflects Venezuela’s citizens desires. We are having serious doubts about accepting results published by the CNE (an electoral body). Therefore, it is crucial for election observation mission reports to preserve Venezuelan voters’ rights today more than ever before.”
Luis Lacalle Pou, Uruguayan president
“Not that way! This was known through and through. Irrespective of what really happened with the counting process up to Election Day; they could only ‘win’. Such triumph cannot be accepted when there is a lack of trust in forms and mechanisms used to achieve them”
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell
“The people of Venezuela voted peacefully and massively for their country’s future. Their choice must be respected. It is important to ensure maximum transparency throughout voting procedures such as accurate counting of ballots, availability of polling station registers and so on.”
Javier Gonzalez-Olaechea Peruvian Foreign Minister
“I condemn with utmost abhorrence all irregularities aimed at fraudulent activities perpetrated by Venezuela’s government. Peru cannot accept trampling upon popular sovereignty exercised by majority will among Venezuelans.”
“The Peruvian ambassador to The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela was recalled immediately for consultations”.
Costa Rican Presidency
“The Government of Costa Rica emphatically disapproves the proclamation of Nicolas Maduro as President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which we consider fraudulent. We will work with democratic governments in our hemisphere and international organizations for the respect of the sacred will of the Venezuelan people.”
Cuban President, Miguel Diaz-Canel
“Nicolas Maduro, my brother, your victory which is that of Bolivarian. And Chavista peoples has been clean and definitive over pro-imperialist opposition. They also defeated the regional, interventionist as well as Monroeist right. The people spoke and Revolution was victorious.”
According to Diaz-Canel’s office, former president Raul Castro spoke to congratulate him over the phone.
Honduran President Xiomara Castro
“Many congratulations and brightest, socialist, revolutionary salutation to His Excellency Nicolas Maduro, the President and the great Venezuelan people for their untamed victory that only confirms their sovereignty and historical heritage of Commander Hugo Chavez.”
Bolivian President Luis Arce
“We have followed this democratic festival very closely and we are happy that the popular will of Venezuelans through elections was respected. We should reiterate our readiness to continue building our friendly, cooperative and supportive relations with Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.”
Argentine President Javier Milei before results
“There is no possibility that Argentina will recognize another fraud; we can only hope in light of this context that Armed Forces will defend democracy and popular sovereignty this time.”
