CARACAS: Venezuela’s opposition leaders on Monday urged the army, a key supporter of President Nicolás Maduro, to turn on him and “take the side of the people” following his disputed reelection.
The appeal has led to a criminal investigation into opposition figures María Corina Machado and presidential candidate Edmundo González Urrutia for allegedly inciting disobedience and insurrection.
The opposition claims that González Urrutia was the rightful winner of the July 28 presidential election, which has triggered a political crisis in the oil-rich nation. Several countries, including the United States and Argentina, have recognized González Urrutia as the victor, while others, like the European Union, have called for the full release of voting records without making a formal endorsement.
The contested election has led to protests that resulted in at least 11 civilian deaths, according to human rights groups. The opposition has called on soldiers and police officers to align with the people and offered “guarantees to those who fulfill their constitutional duty” in a potential “new government.” They also urged security forces to end the “repression” of opposition demonstrations.
The government has reported two soldiers’ deaths in the clashes. The opposition’s statement accused high-ranking commanders of supporting Maduro and his “nefarious interests,” while asserting that the will of the voters was expressed on July 28.
In response, prosecutors announced that Machado and González Urrutia had falsely declared a different winner than the one announced by the National Electoral Council (CNE).
The CNE has confirmed Maduro’s victory with 52 percent of the vote compared to González Urrutia’s 43 percent. The opposition, however, claims that their voting records show González Urrutia won with 67 percent.
The CNE, which the opposition accuses of bias towards Maduro, has yet to provide a detailed breakdown of votes and has cited computer hacking issues. Maduro has requested the Supreme Court, which is seen as loyal to him, to “certify” the election results. The Supreme Court has demanded the CNE release detailed voting records by Monday.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called for dialogue between the Venezuelan government and the opposition to resolve the election dispute. During a state visit to Chile, Lula urged transparency and publication of voting records.
French President Emmanuel Macron also supported the call for transparency and urged the Venezuelan authorities to release all voting records to ensure electoral integrity.
