Freeland Expresses ‘Serious Concerns’ About Venezuela Election Outcome

July 29, 2024 TruthUSA

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland expressed serious concerns about Venezuela’s recent election where both the incumbent president and the opposition party claimed victory.

During a press conference on July 29, Ms. Freeland stated, “Canada, like many other allies and democracies around the world, has serious concerns about the election in Venezuela, and we are collaborating closely with our partners.”

She also voiced support for Venezuelans fighting for democracy against an increasingly authoritarian regime, saying, “I want the people of Venezuela to know that Canada stands with them in their struggle for democracy and freedom.”

Following a presidential election on July 28, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his opposition rival Edmundo Gonzalez both claimed victory. While Mr. Maduro was officially declared the winner, countries like the United States, Chile, Peru, Italy, and Canada have raised doubts about the legitimacy of the results.

According to Venezuela’s electoral authority, Mr. Maduro won a third term with 51% of the vote, while Mr. Gonzalez received 44%. However, several exit polls indicated that Mr. Gonzalez was leading.

The election results were also disputed by Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who was prohibited from running for president in 2023. She criticized the decision as unjust.

Despite Venezuela’s past economic prosperity due to its oil reserves, the country has suffered a decline in GDP and rampant hyperinflation since the United Socialist Party assumed power in 2013. Additionally, over 7.7 million people have fled the country. The Venezuelan government has faced accusations of harassing journalists, human rights defenders, and political opponents.

Sanctions Against Venezuela

Canada’s relationship with Venezuela has been strained since the 2019 electoral crisis, which led to the National Assembly declaring Mr. Maduro illegitimate and appointing Juan Guaidó as interim president.

In response, Ms. Freeland endorsed Mr. Guaidó as the leader and rejected Mr. Maduro’s claim to power. Canada later announced the suspension of operations at the Embassy of Canada to Venezuela and imposed sanctions on 113 Venezuelan officials. The Canadian government, in collaboration with other countries, has referred the situation in Venezuela to the International Criminal Court.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Venezuela’s recent election on platform X, accusing Mr. Maduro of rigging the results to maintain power.

Mr. Poilievre urged Prime Minister Trudeau to reject the election results and support the Venezuelan people in their quest for freedom and democracy.

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