_{FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE}

_{July 30, 2024}

_CONTACT:

_{Dulce Guzman | dguzman@alianzaamericas.org (224) 480-7094}

Alianza Americas expresses concern for the irregularities registered during the Venezuelan presidential elections held this Sunday, July 28. The National Electoral Council (CNE) proclaimed Nicolás Maduro the winner of the presidential elections, with 51.2% of the votes against 44.2% for the opposition Edmundo González Urrutia. According to the electoral authority, controlled by the ruling party, the participation was 59%, with 80% of the ballots counted and the qualification of the tendency as "irreversible." Nicolás Maduro defends his triumph, while the opposition, headed by Edmundo González and María Corina Machado, strongly rejects the result.

Proclaiming a winner without access to the minutes and without being able to audit the results violates the right to vote and political participation. This fact, added to the repression of opponents of the CNE's co-optation and the blocking of international electoral observation, confirms that these have not been free and fair elections.

Venezuela is grappling with a particularly challenging situation in all areas. This crisis has persisted for years and led to the international exodus of millions of people. The lack of transparency in the electoral process exacerbates the situation and significantly impacts the prospects of the Venezuelan exodus. It could lead to an increase in the number of Venezuelans leaving the country, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Given the gravity of the situation, we reiterate our demand for transparency and respect for the fundamental rights of Venezuelan citizens. We call for realizing an independent and impartial electoral process, as democracy and freedom are essential pillars that must not be compromised. We stand in solidarity with the Venezuelan population, both within the country and in exile.

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Alianza Americas is the premier transnational advocacy network of Latin American migrant-led organizations working in the United States, across the Americas, and globally to create an inclusive, equitable and sustainable way of life for communities across North, Central and South America.

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