Chilean President Gabriel Boric has intensified global criticism of Venezuela’s disputed election, accusing Nicolas Maduro’s regime of attempting to steal the vote and perpetrating severe human rights violations. Boric stated, “I am convinced that Maduro’s regime has attempted to commit electoral fraud. If they had genuinely won, they would have transparently released the voting records.”
Boric’s administration has expressed distrust in the independence and impartiality of Venezuelan institutions, refusing to recognize Maduro’s claimed victory. “Chile will not validate unverified results,” Boric emphasized. “We demand international organizations independent of the regime to confirm the outcome.”
Since taking office, Boric has consistently spoken out against human rights violations worldwide. He was among the first leaders to question Venezuela’s election results, expressing skepticism about Maduro’s win.
The US has also disputed the outcome, stating that opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez clearly secured the most votes and calling for a peaceful transition. Regional powers Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia are withholding judgment until a thorough accounting of the vote is released.
Boric met with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, with both leaders briefly addressing Venezuela. Lula is coordinating with Mexican and Colombian counterparts on potential calls with Maduro and Gonzalez.
Venezuela’s electoral authority claims Maduro won 52% of the vote, but detailed results remain unreleased. The opposition has published records from 80% of voting stations, indicating Gonzalez secured at least 70% support, sparking nationwide protests.
Maduro has threatened to jail Gonzalez and banned opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, accusing them of fomenting dissent and electoral meddling. The government has arrested over 2,200 protesters, with Maduro promising 30-year sentences. Human rights organizations report 24 deaths and numerous detentions, with the news media also being targeted.
Gonzalez declined to appear before the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, citing concerns about the legality of the proceedings and his safety. He stated that attending would risk his freedom and the will of the Venezuelan people.
