On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted a resolutions on the human rights situation in Venezuela.
The political disqualifications in Venezuela
Parliament strongly condemns the Venezuelan regime’s arbitrary and unconstitutional decision to prevent prominent political opposition figures like María Corina Machado, Leopoldo López, Henrique Capriles and Freddy Superlano from running in the 2024 elections, a ballot which could have constituted a turning point towards a return to democracy in the country. MEPs deplore the outright interference of authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro’s government in the electoral process and the current serious restrictions on Venezuelans’ right to choose their political representatives. They urge the country’s authorities to provide the conditions to ensure a fair, free, inclusive and transparent vote.
With Venezuela ignoring the recommendations of the EU election observation mission while the country is experiencing continued institutional, economic and political instability, MEPs stress that the upcoming summit between the EU and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) is an opportunity to voice support for and uphold the principles of the rule of law, democracy and human rights in Latin America.
Parliament also fully supports the International Criminal Court investigations into the alleged crimes against humanity perpetrated by the Venezuelan regime and urges the authorities to release all political prisoners.
The text was adopted by 495 votes in favour, 25 against and 43 abstentions.
