Venezuela Delays Presidential Vote, but Opposition Still Plans a Boycott
- 6 years ago
Venezuela Delays Presidential Vote, but Opposition Still Plans a Boycott
In addition to announcing the new date, the government said
that it would allow international observers to participate and that members of regional councils would be chosen by Venezuelans going to the polls in May as well.
By NICHOLAS CASEYMARCH 1, 2018
MEDELLÍN, Colombia — Venezuela’s government said Thursday
that it was postponing the presidential election until May 20, allowing an extra month before the country’s snap vote but doing little to quell critics calling for a boycott.
Though several minor opposition parties said Thursday
that they would participate in the election, the main coalition representing opposition groups has said it would boycott the vote.
Juan Pablo Guanipa said that We’re not participating
because there are no open elections, because they are not respecting the right to vote, the right to choose or the will of every Venezuelan,
"What will they say if the representatives of the opposition, by orders of the United States, don’t want to participate in the elections
and use violence as the alternative?" Ana Vanessa Herrero in Caracas, Venezuela.
The vote has also been rejected by election observers and international bodies, as well as the United States and many of Venezuela’s neighbors.
In addition to announcing the new date, the government said
that it would allow international observers to participate and that members of regional councils would be chosen by Venezuelans going to the polls in May as well.
By NICHOLAS CASEYMARCH 1, 2018
MEDELLÍN, Colombia — Venezuela’s government said Thursday
that it was postponing the presidential election until May 20, allowing an extra month before the country’s snap vote but doing little to quell critics calling for a boycott.
Though several minor opposition parties said Thursday
that they would participate in the election, the main coalition representing opposition groups has said it would boycott the vote.
Juan Pablo Guanipa said that We’re not participating
because there are no open elections, because they are not respecting the right to vote, the right to choose or the will of every Venezuelan,
"What will they say if the representatives of the opposition, by orders of the United States, don’t want to participate in the elections
and use violence as the alternative?" Ana Vanessa Herrero in Caracas, Venezuela.
The vote has also been rejected by election observers and international bodies, as well as the United States and many of Venezuela’s neighbors.