The presidential election in Venezuela

‘International election observers have raised legitimate doubts about whether the election was conducted in line with international standards,’ said Mr Eide.

‘Norway calls for the Venezuelan authorities to present all the numbers underlying the election results that they have announced, so they can be independently verified. This is the only way to clarify once and for all who won the election,’ said Mr Eide.

‘For several years, Norway has been a facilitator of the peace process in Venezuela, serving at the request of both the Venezuelan Government and the opposition. In October 2023, the parties entered into the Barbados Agreement, which established conditions and procedures for conducting the presidential election. Norway has consistently encouraged the parties to fulfil their agreements,’ said Mr Eide.

‘The Venezuelan Government’s willingness to hold an election in accordance with international standards carries with it an obligation. Respect for democratic rules is a prerequisite for lasting peace and stability. We expect the Venezuelan authorities to comply with the agreed commitments and to respect the will of the Venezuelan people,’ said Mr Eide.

‘All political violence is unacceptable and must cease immediately. The right of the Venezuelan people to demonstrate peacefully must be respected, and it is vital that the security forces exercise restraint. Norway expects the rights of everyone in the country to be respected. The tense situation in Venezuela can only be resolved if the country’s leaders put the interests of the population first,’ said Foreign Minister Eide.

‘It is encouraging to note that so many countries in Latin America have clearly expressed the same views – specifically, that all vote tallies must be made public and verified before it can be established who won. This is the clearly stated will of a region that has experienced a great deal and seeks to defend democracy and the principles of the rule of law,’ said Mr Eide.