Venezuelan Foreign Minister Denounces Colombian Interference in Election Legitimacy

The Venezuelan Foreign Minister has condemned Colombian interference regarding the recent elections, asserting that Colombia lacks the moral authority to comment on Venezuelan matters. He defended President Maduro’s election victory while rejecting allegations of electoral fraud raised by Colombian authorities and Venezuelan opposition.

The Venezuelan Foreign Minister has voiced strong opposition to Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s stance regarding the legitimacy of the recent Venezuelan elections held on July 28. Minister Murillo stressed, “We are not going to recognize the results until doubts about the legitimacy and legality of the [Venezuelan] election are dissipated, which has not been done.” In response, the Venezuelan diplomat took to Telegram to assert that Colombia lacks the authority to intervene in Venezuelan affairs. He stated, “Neither you nor any Colombian institution have the right, much less the morality, to talk about Venezuela, it is not a matter that concerns you, it is definitely not your problem.” Adding to the discourse, Gil remarked on the disdain that the Colombian elite shares towards revolutionary figures such as President Nicolás Maduro, but emphasized that the Venezuelan electorate had expressed their will. “We do not owe explanations to you or to your decrepit congress; dedicate yourself to your problems, which you must have enough,” he declared. President Maduro was reported to have secured victory in the elections, garnering 51.95 percent of the votes, based on the information provided by the National Electoral Council (CNE), which indicated that over 96 percent of the ballots had been counted. This lead allowed him to surpass his closest rival, Edmundo González, by more than one million votes. Despite this, allegations of electoral fraud were raised following a vigorous campaign led by factions of the Venezuelan far-right, along with support from the United States and its allies.

The political landscape between Venezuela and Colombia has been fraught with tensions, particularly surrounding electoral processes and the recognition of governments. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has faced significant international scrutiny regarding the legitimacy of his electoral victories. The recent elections, which resulted in Maduro claiming a majority of the votes, have been met with skepticism, especially from Colombian authorities and a sector of the Venezuelan opposition, who have called into question the fairness and transparency of the electoral proceedings. The historical rivalry and ideological differences between the two nations often exacerbate such conflicts, leading to diplomatic disputes.

In summary, the Venezuelan Foreign Minister’s recent statements underscore the ongoing tensions between Venezuela and Colombia regarding the recognition of electoral results. With President Petro’s refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of the elections and Maduro’s strong rebuttal, it is evident that diplomatic relations continue to be strained. The accusations of electoral fraud further complicate the narrative, reflecting the deep-seated political divisions within the region.

Original Source: www.plenglish.com