FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: In Atlanta, Soyia Ellison, soyia.ellison@cartercenter.org
ATLANTA — Venezuela is undergoing an historic moment as it attempts to reconcile deep political divisions that have undermined its democracy.
The National Assembly that was freely elected in 2015, and subsequently disbanded by President Nicolas Maduro, has declared Juan Guaidó president of Venezuela through an interpretation of the presidential succession clause in the constitution approved in 1999 under President Hugo Chavez. This is a Venezuelan struggle that has attracted the attention and involvement of key states in the international community as well as the Organization of American States and the United Nations.
In discussions about the status of democracy and elections in Venezuela, some have made misleading comments about the Carter Center’s past involvement in elections there.
“In 2012, I applauded Venezuela’s use of electronic voting machines as exemplary in the world,” said former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. “That characterization since has been misused by Nicolas Maduro to suggest a broad validation of Venezuela’s election system as a whole and of subsequent elections that Carterdid not observe. In fact, Carterand others routinely have expressed concern about government interference in recent electoral processes. Carterhas not observed elections formally in Venezuela since 2004.”
Cartersupports the valiant efforts of the Venezuelan people to resolve a political conflict that has resulted in economic devastation, a humanitarian crisis, and an exodus of refugees. This is a critical juncture for the Venezuelan people who are calling for democracy.
Translation
El Centro Carter: la democracia venezolana en una coyuntura crítica
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"Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope."
A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, Carterhas helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. Carterwas founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.
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