Vincentian observer says elections in Venezuela were free and fair
VICE PRESIDENT of Solidarity SVG and the Venezuelan Vincentian Friendship Association (VENVIFA), Laura Denise Stephens has concluded that the July Presidential elections in Venezuela were free and fair.
“I saw disabled people wrenched in pain as no one was allowed to vote in their stead. They completed the electronic and manual process all by themselves…,” Stephens commented in relation to the Venezuelan electoral process that took place on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Stephens, a Vincentian, was among a group of 910 election observers from over 100 countries that journeyed to Venezuela to witness the 2024 Presidential elections in which Nicolas Maduro and his United Socialist Party of Venezuela (Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela; PSUV), was declared the winner.
“From my observations, the electoral process was in effect, and the model that was set to give persons the democratic right to vote, the process, from what I saw, went along well and was structured.
“The stations were set up in order to have transparent proceedings. There were poll workers from various political parties and witnesses. The people, as they voted, showed a sense of confidence,” Stephens told SEARCHLIGHT, while adding that she visited five polling stations on election day.
“I saw nothing that would have stirred anything fraudulent in my mind,” she stressed.
The opposition has disputed the outcome of the elections contending that its candidate, Edmundo Gonsales, is the rightful winner. Since Maduro was declared winner with 51 per cent of the votes, there have been street protests in the Spanish-speaking South American country involving supporters of both contenders.
Stephens said she has visited Venezuela five times and with each visit, it becomes more evident that the people are resilient and this is apparent in the way they pursue their livelihoods among other things.
“I have seen food stalls in different provinces, different varieties- and what amazes me is the abundance of fruits and vegetables I always see.
“I experienced their rich culture. They are musically oriented and it is easy to become engulfed in the passionate dance moves they display while they move to the sound of drums.
“…their fight for freedom is sometimes expressed in song…,” Stephens pointed out.
She added also that she has witnessed some of the government’s programmes for women aimed at empowering them in all aspects of life.
“Seeing this gives me the will to empower our women,” Stephens told SEARCHLIGHT.
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