The United States is demanding that the Venezuelan government release detailed precinct level data regarding its recent presidential election, expressing concerns about the credibility of Nicolas Maduro’s victory. The Biden administration officials emphasized that this data is required by Venezuelan law and should be readily available. They warned that if this information is not provided, it could raise doubts about the inclusivity and credibility of the election, making it difficult for the US and the international community to assess the results.
The officials highlighted discrepancies between the independent analysis of the election and the results announced by Venezuelan authorities, calling for further investigation and clarification before concluding the election process. While they did not specify potential actions that could be taken if the data is not released or if fraudulent activities are uncovered, they did not rule out the possibility of imposing sanctions. However, they clarified that retroactively altering existing licenses, such as Chevron’s, is not currently being considered.
Moving forward, the administration plans to engage in discussions within international forums such as the Organization of American States (OAS) and the G7 to determine a collective response to the situation in Venezuela. The US will continue to evaluate its sanctions policy towards Venezuela based on the country’s actions, the direction of its bilateral engagement, and overall national foreign policy interests. The officials defended the sanctions relief provided under the Biden administration, suggesting that the election could not have occurred without these adjustments.
Despite the challenges and concerns surrounding the election, the officials acknowledged that the presence of international observers during the voting process provided valuable data on the will of Venezuelan voters. They argued that this situation represents progress compared to the lack of transparency in previous elections. The officials stated that the US is in a better position now than it was three years ago, indicating that Sunday’s election has provided valuable insights that will inform their approach to future developments in Venezuela.
In conclusion, the Biden administration is calling for transparency and accountability from the Venezuelan government regarding its recent election. The US and the international community are closely monitoring the situation and will take appropriate actions based on the availability and accuracy of the election data. While sanctions remain a potential tool to address any irregularities, the focus is on engaging in multilateral discussions to determine a collective response. Overall, the US is committed to promoting democratic processes and ensuring that the will of the Venezuelan people is respected.
