Lula and Petro demand electoral transparency in Venezuela following controversy with Maduro.

In a joint statement that has resonated internationally, the presidents of Brazil and Colombia, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Gustavo Petro, have reiterated their strong position regarding the electoral process in Venezuela, urging the dissemination of detailed records from the recent presidential elections. This stance comes in the wake of the Venezuelan Supreme Court's (TSJ) endorsement of Nicolás Maduro's victory, a fact that has been met with controversy and questioning from broad sectors of the international community. During separate phone conversations, Lula and Petro expressed their conviction that the credibility of the electoral process in Venezuela can only be restored through a transparent publication of disaggregated and verifiable data. This appeal for transparency reinforces the need for the Venezuelan National Electoral Council (CNE) to reveal the results broken down by polling station, in a context where Maduro was declared the winner without these crucial data being presented. The opposition coalition, known as the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD), has asserted that its candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, won the electoral contest by a wide margin. This claim has led Lula and Petro to emphasize the importance of peaceful dialogue and democratic coexistence in the political normalization of Venezuela. In their statement, both leaders called on all parties involved to avoid resorting to violence and repression, highlighting the need for a constructive path towards reconciliation. It is pertinent to recall that the Barbados Agreements, signed by the government and the opposition, established a commitment framework that requires a focus on transparency in the electoral process. Lula and Petro underscored that the spirit of these agreements must be respected to ensure a trustworthy environment in Venezuelan politics. The statement from the Brazilian and Colombian presidents comes at a time when eleven countries from Latin America and the Caribbean have expressed their rejection of the TSJ's endorsement of Maduro. These countries, which include Chile, Argentina, Costa Rica, among others, have questioned the independence and impartiality of the Venezuelan judicial system, leading to increased tension in the regional political landscape. Despite these differences, Brazil and Colombia have chosen not to engage in a debate over the TSJ ruling and have instead kept their channels of communication open with all parties involved in the conflict. This diplomatic stance reflects a willingness to facilitate understanding and dialogue in a context where divisions are deep and complex. Furthermore, Lula and Petro expressed their firm opposition to the application of unilateral sanctions, considering them harmful to the Venezuelan population, especially to the most vulnerable sectors. This concern for the well-being of the population resonates at a time when economic sanctions have significantly impacted the quality of life of citizens. The Venezuelan opposition has positively valued the support from Lula and Petro, recognizing their commitment to popular sovereignty and the demand for transparency in the electoral process. The PUD has thanked both presidents for their backing, emphasizing that the truth is reflected in the tally sheets issued by the CNE machines and demanding their immediate disclosure. The call for transparency and dialogue from the presidents of Brazil and Colombia represents a ray of hope for many Venezuelans seeking a peaceful resolution to the political crisis affecting their country. The international community is closely watching how events unfold, as voices of support and opposition intertwine in a political fabric that demands urgent changes and solutions. Ultimately, the situation in Venezuela remains a hot topic in the international arena, and the role of Brazil and Colombia as mediators could be crucial in the process of reconciliation and the restoration of trust in the electoral system. Lula and Petro's insistence on the dissemination of the records could set an important precedent in the fight for transparency and democracy in the region.