Eyes on Venezuela: US Warns Against Election Manipulation
The United States government will be watching when Venezuelans go the polls come Sunday to determine to their next president will be. US official Admiral John Kirby at this week’s White House press briefing has made it clear to Venezuela’s incumbent that “we’re (US) watching, we’re watching closely”.
Admiral John Kirby - Reuters photo
During a rally last week Mr. Maduro told supporters that Venezuela could “fall into a bloodbath” or “into a fratricidal civil war” if his party does not win. In fact, Admiral Kirby used his opening statement to lay out the country’s expectations for July 28 event saying “we expect come on Sunday elections that would reflect the will and aspirations of the Venezuelan people for a more democratic, stable, and prosperous future.” He went on to note that and that “any political repression and violence is unacceptable.”
When asked about his thoughts on whether Mr Maduro and his people have the ability to fully rig the elections or just contest the results, the US official said it was difficult to know exactly how Sunday’s event would unfold but he was firm on the United States role of having eyes on the situation. Admiral Kirby further expressed that “no matter who wins, our (US) expectation is that the winner is going to continue to look after the democratic institutions in Venezuela”.
Nicolas Maduro poster in Caracas - Getty Images
Nicolas Maduro who has been president of Venezuela since 2013 will face opposition contender Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, a retired ambassador, who became the successor of duly elected but barred opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. According to CNN, the unified opposition is confident of victory come Sunday with Ms Machado saying “We will win. We will succeed and we will bring everyone that has been forced to leave to come back. That’s my only plan.” However, she is also well aware that Mr Maduro and he camp will not go gently.
Machado and Gonzalez at Caracas rally - Getty Images
Ms Machado shared with CNN that “the regime will try to steal the election. But I have trust, full confidence in what the Venezuelan people voted for. We have built a platform to defend our votes; it’s unprecedented.”
Meanwhile, like the United States Government, Defend Guyana will be watching Mr Maduro closely.
