Venezuela withdraws invitation for European Union mission to monitor July presidential election

Venezuela’s electoral authorities have stirred controversy by revoking an invitation for a European Union mission to observe the upcoming presidential election, where President Nicolás Maduro is seeking reelection. The decision, announced by the head of the National Electoral Council, Elvis Amoroso, was attributed to the economic sanctions imposed by the EU on the country.

Amoroso stated that the withdrawal of the invitation was a response to the “genocidal sanctions” against Venezuela and its government. However, the EU sanctions primarily target individuals accused of repression and undermining democracy, rather than the government as a whole.

This move comes just two weeks after the EU temporarily lifted sanctions against four officials linked to the electoral body, including Amoroso, in recognition of steps taken ahead of the election. Despite this gesture, Venezuela’s government rejected the relief, deeming it selective and insufficient.

The EU has called on the National Electoral Council to reconsider its decision, emphasizing the importance of credible, transparent, and competitive elections supported by international observation. In 2021, the EU observed regional elections in Venezuela and noted improvements compared to previous years, but highlighted issues such as delays in voting centers and biased media coverage.

The upcoming presidential election in Venezuela is scheduled for July 28, with various organizations invited to observe the process. However, challenges remain, including the blocking of opposition candidates like María Corina Machado, whose candidacy was rejected by the country’s top court. Despite these obstacles, the opposition is now rallying behind former diplomat Edmundo González Urrutia in the upcoming election.