In a context of uncertainty and expectations, the government of President Joe Biden assured that it is closely monitoring the development of the presidential elections in Venezuela, scheduled for this Sunday.
High-ranking U.S. officials quoted by CNN called on Nicolás Maduro's regime to allow the electoral process to proceed in a free and fair manner, despite the numerous obstacles faced by Venezuelan voters.
During a conference call with journalists, officials reiterated the support of the United States for peaceful and transparent elections.
"Our messages are simple: we support peaceful elections in Venezuela on July 28, and the United States is prepared to work with the winner of these elections as long as there is a transparent and fair electoral process, verified by national and international observers," stated a senior official from the Biden administration.
The concerns of the United States are not unfounded. In the days leading up to the elections, there has been an intensification in the detention of figures from the democratic opposition.
U.S. officials criticized Maduro for the arbitrary imprisonment of opposition members, leaders, and campaign workers. However, they acknowledged the unprecedented unity among opposition leaders, who have consolidated their support for candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, as a sign of the resilience and determination of the Venezuelan people.
"This unprecedented unity among opposition leaders is a testament to their resilience and determination to offer Venezuelans a genuine option in Sunday's elections," commented an official.
Despite the difficulties, there is a clear interest among citizens across the country, from major cities to rural communities, to participate in the electoral process and exercise their democratic rights.
Nicolás Maduro, who has been in power since the death of his predecessor Hugo Chávez in 2013, has frequently been accused of manipulating electoral processes and silencing the opposition.
The 2018 elections, which reaffirmed Maduro in the presidency, were boycotted by the opposition and deemed illegitimate by a coalition of Latin American countries, Canada, and the United States, as well as by the Organization of American States (OAS), which called them a "farce."
Significant changes were expected in the 2024 elections following Maduro's promise to Washington to hold free and fair elections in exchange for relief from sanctions. However, U.S. officials warned that they are prepared to impose additional sanctions if the democratic process is not carried out properly during Sunday's elections.
"The United States is prepared to calibrate its sanctions policy based on the developments taking place in Venezuela," the officials stated. "There have been periods when we have applied a relief of sanctions in exchange for certain commitments, and times when we have imposed additional sanctions when we deemed it necessary for our national interests."
The Biden administration left open the possibility of negotiating a post-election transition if the elections are conducted fairly. Additionally, it committed to working with the democratically elected winner.
"In a scenario where Maduro does not win the elections, the United States is ready to support a peacefully negotiated post-election period and to consider measures that facilitate a peaceful transition of power. Meanwhile, we urge both parties to avoid retaliation and to work together for the good of the Venezuelan people," the officials concluded.
The entire world is watching closely the outcome of these elections, which could mark a turning point in the recent history of Venezuela and determine the future of its international relations, especially with the United States.
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