Canada calls into question the legitimacy of Venezuela’s electoral process

October 17, 2017 – Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement regarding the October 15, 2017 regional elections in Venezuela:

“Canada is very concerned by the actions of the Venezuelan regime to hinder free and fair elections, especially via its unconstitutional control of the National Electoral Council (CNE).

“Sunday’s elections were characterized by many irregularities that raise significant and credible concerns regarding the validity of the results.

“The irregularities demonstrate that the CNE does not act as an independent institution for elections, but rather entirely according to the wishes of the government. 

“Venezuelans have a constitutional right to choose their leaders through free, fair and transparent elections. We congratulate the Venezuelan people who were able to vote and exercise their democratic rights despite the many obstacles they encountered.

“Canada will continue to stand for the Venezuelan people and for the defence and restoration of democracy in Venezuela.”

Quick facts

• On July 30, 2017, Canada denounced the Maduro regime’s action to create an undemocratic National Constituent Assembly and called on Venezuela’s regime to uphold the rights enshrined in the UN Charter and in human rights treaties to which the country is a signatory.
• On July 16, 2017, millions of Venezuelans voted overwhelmingly to reject the government’s proposal to establish a constituent assembly.

Associated Links

• Canada and the Venezuela crisis

Contacts

Adam Austen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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