Introduction
The announcement of the 2024 Venezuelan presidential election results, delivered by Elvis Amoroso, President of the National Electoral Council (CNE), has sparked a wave of reactions from former presidential candidates. These candidates, representing various political perspectives and affiliations, have expressed their views on the legitimacy of the results amid ongoing concerns about irregularities and transparency. The election results, which declared Nicolás Maduro as the winner, have been met with both acceptance and skepticism. This article delves into the detailed reactions of these former candidates, highlighting their demands for transparency and their calls for public verification of the electoral process.
The Controversial Election Results
Overview of the Election Announcement
On July 28, 2024, Venezuela went to the polls, and the CNE officially announced Nicolás Maduro as the victor with over 51% of the votes. The announcement, however, has been marred by controversies surrounding the transparency and accuracy of the electoral process. Despite the official results, significant doubts have emerged regarding the handling of the election, particularly concerning the approximately 2,394,268 votes that remain unaccounted for. The narrow margin of victory, with only a 704,114-vote difference between Maduro and his main opponent, Edmundo González, has further fueled skepticism and debate.
Reactions from Former Presidential Candidates
In the wake of the election results, several former presidential candidates have voiced their opinions, reflecting a spectrum of responses from acceptance to criticism. Their reactions underscore the complexities and tensions surrounding the electoral process in Venezuela.
Javier Bertucci’s Call for Verification
Demand for Citizen Verification
Javier Bertucci, one of the prominent figures in the Venezuelan political landscape, was among the first to respond to the results announced by Elvis Amoroso. In a video statement shared on social media, Bertucci emphasized the need for transparency and called for a thorough verification of the electoral process. He urged the CNE to permit a Phase 2 verification for 54% of the voting machines, as outlined in the Organic Law of Electoral Processes. Bertucci’s appeal highlights the importance of public confidence in the electoral system and the necessity for an independent verification to address any lingering doubts.
Es necesario reconocer a todos los ciudadanos que participaron en las elecciones. Por lo tanto, abogo por esas voces que desean tener la certeza y transparencia de los resultados. Para ello, quiero solicitarle al CNE muy respetuosamente que permita la verificación de las actas,… pic.twitter.com/68FafpRRn8
ADVERTISING— JAVIER BERTUCCI (@JAVIERBERTUCCI) July 29, 2024
Concerns About Transparency
Bertucci’s call for verification reflects broader concerns about the transparency of the election. The lack of access to comprehensive results and the absence of detailed voting machine data have contributed to widespread apprehension among Venezuelans. By advocating for a citizen verification process, Bertucci aims to ensure that the electoral process is transparent and that all stakeholders can have confidence in the results.
Enrique Márquez’s Critique of the Electoral Process
Questions About Result Consistency
Enrique Márquez, a former electoral rector, has expressed doubts about the consistency of the presidential election results. In a press conference, Márquez questioned the legitimacy of the initial results, stating that the official bulletin issued by Amoroso did not originate from the official CNE totalization room. He criticized the CNE for failing to provide a clear and verifiable account of the results, which has led to public outrage and skepticism.
Calls for Full Disclosure
Márquez’s criticism extends to the CNE’s handling of the election process. He has demanded the publication of all electoral documents and actas (official reports) that support the initial results. His call for full disclosure aims to address the concerns of the Venezuelan people and ensure that the electoral process is conducted with integrity and transparency.
Antonio Ecarri’s Demand for Complete Results
Advocacy for Full Disclosure
Antonio Ecarri, representing the Alianza del Lápiz, has also called for the CNE to release the complete results of the election. In a video statement, Ecarri emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the electoral process. He urged the CNE to publish the results from each voting table and center, highlighting the critical role of transparency in maintaining public trust in the democratic process.
Mi mensaje a la Nación 🇻🇪
El CNE tiene el acta de la paz y estabilidad de la República.
Queremos exigir al Poder Electoral la publicación de los resultados completos por cada mesa de cada centro electoral. pic.twitter.com/3az7RGOwbe
— Antonio Ecarri A. (@aecarri) July 29, 2024
Warning of Potential Legitimacy Issues
Ecarri warned that failure to address concerns about electoral transparency could result in long-term legitimacy issues for Nicolás Maduro’s presidency. He stressed that doubts about the election’s integrity could lead to continued accusations of illegitimacy, affecting the stability of the government in the years to come.
Luis Eduardo Martínez’s Call for Peace
Support for Official Results
Luis Eduardo Martínez, a representative of Acción Democrática, took a conciliatory approach in his response. In a video statement, Martínez urged Venezuelans to accept the results announced by the CNE and move beyond political divisions. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the official results to promote peace and unity in Venezuela.
Paz, Paz, Paz.
Nada más importante que la Paz.
Y a que dudar que la Paz en #Venezuela pasa hoy por el reconocimiento de los resultados oficiales de la elección presidencial anunciados por el @cneesvzla que proclaman reelecto al Presidente @NicolasMaduro.
Este #28Julio fué una… pic.twitter.com/2UvWtwJgew
— Luis Eduardo Martínez (@Luisemartinezh) July 29, 2024
Emphasis on Moving Forward
Martínez’s call for peace reflects a desire to move past electoral disputes and focus on national reconciliation. By advocating for acceptance of the results, Martínez aims to foster a sense of stability and cooperation among Venezuelans, despite ongoing tensions and controversies.
Benjamín Rausseo’s Support for the CNE’s Verdict
Endorsement of the CNE’s Decision
In a video shared on social media, humorist Benjamín Rausseo expressed support for the CNE’s decision and congratulated Nicolás Maduro on his declared victory. Rausseo emphasized the importance of respecting the CNE’s verdict and moving forward with a unified approach to address Venezuela’s challenges.
Pronunciamiento del Candidato Benjamín Rausseo a la nación. pic.twitter.com/ijYxaWc4bA
— Benjamín Rausseo (@erguachar069) July 29, 2024
Call for Reconciliation
Rausseo’s endorsement underscores the need for reconciliation and a collective effort to address the country’s issues. By supporting the CNE’s decision, Rausseo encourages Venezuelans to focus on building a cohesive society and working together for the nation’s future.
José Brito’s Conditional Recognition
Acknowledgment of the Results
José Brito, another former candidate, recognized the results announced by the CNE but also highlighted the right of Venezuelans to challenge the results if they believe there are discrepancies. Brito’s response reflects a balanced approach, acknowledging the official results while also respecting the legal rights of citizens to seek clarification.
Resultados de primer boletín emitido por el Consejo Nacional Electoral 🗳️
El llamado es al sosiego, la calma, La Paz y coordura. Venezuela eligió🇻🇪 pic.twitter.com/eN9fCz9klL
— José Brito (@josebritoven) July 29, 2024
Emphasis on Legal Rights
Brito’s statement underscores the importance of upholding legal rights and ensuring that any concerns about the election results are addressed through appropriate channels. His response highlights the need for a fair and transparent process to resolve disputes and maintain public trust.
Claudio Fermín’s Demand for Transparency
Call for Detailed Results
Claudio Fermín, a former candidate, has called for the CNE to release detailed results from each voting table to ensure transparency and public trust. In a video statement, Fermín emphasized the need for a clear and open process to address the concerns of Venezuelans and maintain the integrity of the election.
Concerns About Public Protests
Fermín also expressed concern about the public protests and unrest that have emerged in response to the election results. He highlighted the need for transparency to prevent further division and conflict, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful resolution to the electoral disputes.
Conclusion
The reactions of former presidential candidates to the results announced by Elvis Amoroso reflect a diverse range of perspectives on the Venezuelan electoral process. From calls for verification and transparency to demands for acceptance and reconciliation, these responses highlight the complexities and tensions surrounding the election. As Venezuela navigates the aftermath of the election, the need for clarity, transparency, and public trust remains paramount in addressing the concerns of its citizens and ensuring the integrity of its democratic processes.
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