The OAS warned that the conditions for calling free and transparent elections in Venezuela in the short term are not in place

The Organization of American States has made a rough diagnosis of the political situation in Venezuela and warned that today the conditions are not ripe for organizing "free and fair" elections in that country as soon as possible.

In this sense, the regional organization urged to adopt in Venezuela a series of necessary measures to ensure the transparency of the electoral process, this helps to advance Venezuelan institutions and to ensure an orderly transition to democracy.

The interim government of Juan Guaidó, who badumed the presidency of the National Assembly on January 23, intends to move in this direction, as provided by the Venezuelan constitution. But the new government said it would only be done when the conditions were met, which is not happening today because the regime of Nicolás Maduro always controls all the springs of power.

"It is impossible for free and fair elections to be held in Venezuela in a short period of time," said Brenda Santamaría, an expert from the OAS Electoral Observation Department, in charge of Gerardo de Icaza. The conclusion
it is clear from the x-ray irregularities of the Venezuelan electoral system presented by the specialist and which require a complete reform.

Among these irregularities and the lack of guarantees, Santamaría cited the "arbitrary disqualifications" of opposition candidates in the presidential elections of May 2018, "the incrimination of the demonstration" with "dozens of deaths and deaths. thousands of injured, "the lack of independence of the National Council Elections and restrictions to public debate through" acts of censorship "of different types.

In addition, he questioned the electoral lists, manipulation of the electoral calendar and the registration of voters, at the last meeting with the ballot box, the participation of "three million Venezuelans" was prevented. All Venezuelans, he said, "must have an identity card".

To create the conditions necessary for the establishment of a new transparent electoral process and for the OAS's contribution to independent observation, Santamaría highlighted a series of measures to be taken beforehand, without which its legality can not be guaranteed.

A group of election experts, said the OAS specialist, must prepare a detailed report on the current situation. In addition, an international working group should be established with the badistance of the countries of the region to determine the necessary reforms in accordance with best practices in this area. Finally, the electoral process should be observed to ensure transparency and legality.

"The regime does not have the right to call elections, that is Juan Guaidó, president legitimately responsible for Venezuela", who must do so. ", observed the Brazilian ambbadador to the OAS, Fernando Simas. Delegates from Argentina, Chile, Canada and the United States, among others, also endorsed the diagnosis made by experts from the regional body. The representatives of Nicaragua and some Caribbean countries disagreed.

The session of the OAS was convened to "follow" the political situation in Venezuela and the vote in which the delegates approved by a majority on January 10 the decision to declare the government of Nicolás Maduro illegitimate.

Samuel Moncada, Venezuelan Ambbadador to the UN, was surprised today by his presence at the OAS. Before the report on the political situation in his country was read, the diplomat dismissed the celebration of the meeting, which he described as "illegal", and denounced a "campaign". aggression "against the Venezuelan government.

In his speech, he stated that a "mountain of lies" had been built on what was happening in Venezuela. He spoke of manipulating the truth and sought to defend both the legality of the Maduro government and its presence at the agency's headquarters. In this sense, Moncada accused the Secretary General of the OAS, Luis Almagro, of having mounted "a scam" and "a fraud" by ignoring the legitimacy of the Chavez regime.

"In Venezuela, the coup d'etat failed," sentenced Moncada. "I am proud of our armed forces", he added. "The purpose of this meeting is to say that conditions are not in place for there to be free elections in Venezuela and that, therefore, the puppet must remain," he denounced with reference to to the Guaidó.

Almagro had ratified a few minutes before its recognition of the legality of the government of Guaidó and baderted that he had decided "in accordance with the regulations" of the OAS.

The resolution of 10 January, prior to today's meeting, was approved by 19 votes against 6. A further 8 countries abstained and one absentee. The Caracas regime was urged to adopt the necessary measures to "restore the democratic order", to demand free and fair elections and to allow the "immediate" entry of humanitarian aid.