Kaine & Castro Statement on Presidential Election in Venezuela

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, and U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, released the following statement regarding the presidential election in Venezuela, in which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro declared himself the winner despite partial results and independent exit polls that suggest Edmundo González won:

“We’re deeply concerned by Maduro’s declaration that he won the presidential election in Venezuela despite evidence to the contrary. Every vote must be counted and verified. This is a critical moment for democracy in Venezuela and around the world. Venezuelans have a right to make their voices heard and to decide their own future. The Maduro regime and the military must respect the will of voters and the electoral process. Venezuela’s election authority must release full, detailed election results and prioritize transparency with the public, the opposition’s representatives, and outside observers.”

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