Resolution on the elections in Venezuela

The European Parliament adopted by 492 votes to 87, with 77 abstentions, a resolution on the elections in Venezuela.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR and ALDE groups.

As a reminder, the early presidential elections called by the internationally non-recognised National Constituent Assembly and endorsed by the National Electoral Council (CNE) are now to be held on 20 May 2018. The CNE decided to limit participation in simultaneous local and regional elections to those parties that present candidates for the presidential elections.

On 25 January 2018, the Venezuelan Supreme Court decided to exclude the Mesa de la Unidad Democrática (MUD), a coalition of opposition parties, from the presidential elections, which represents a serious breach of the principle of equitable elections, prohibiting opposition candidates from competing freely and on equal terms in the elections. The conditions for credible, transparent and inclusive elections are therefore not met.

Against this background, Members strongly rejected the decision by the internationally non-recognised National Constituent Assembly endorsed by the National Electoral Council to hold the early presidential elections, currently scheduled for 20 May 2018 and called for their immediate suspension until the necessary conditions for credible, transparent and inclusive elections are met.

They insisted that only elections based on a viable electoral calendar, agreed in the context of the national dialogue with all relevant actors and political parties, and respecting equal, fair and transparent conditions of participation – including the lifting of bans on political opponents, the freeing of political prisoners and monitoring by independent international observers – will be recognised by the EU.

Given that Venezuela is facing an unprecedented political, social, economic and humanitarian crisis, the legitimate government resulting from such elections must urgently address this situation and work towards the national reconciliation of the country.

Both the government and opposition are urged to adopt without further delay a macroeconomic stabilisation plan together with the international financial institutions to address the numerous challenges, such as the shortages of basic goods and medicines. Members reiterated their call on the Venezuelan Government to allow humanitarian aid into the country.

Lastly, the resolution recalled that under the current circumstances, the European Parliament cannot recognise the elections resulting from this illegitimate process.