The European Union Calls for New Elections in Venezuela

On Monday, June 7, the European Union called for new presidential elections in Venezuela. The Union also warned that it would impose a new round of sanctions against the country. According to the Associated Press, EU ministers stated that despite widespread calls in Venezuela for the establishment of democracy, the recent elections showed that the country is increasingly distancing itself from its democratic and constitutional standards. The EU foreign ministers said that widespread violations occurred in the presidential elections held on Sunday, May 30, and that these elections should be held again based on international standards and Venezuela's constitution. The Venezuelan Electoral Commission announced on Tuesday, May 31, that 55-year-old Nicolas Maduro would remain in the presidency for another six-year term after winning the elections. Meanwhile, Maduro's main rival, Henri Falcon, has also rejected the election results. Critics claim that the presidential elections in Venezuela were marred by fraud and that candidates from the two main opposition groups were not allowed to participate in the elections. However, EU foreign ministers stated that the new sanctions would be targeted in a way that would not harm the people of Venezuela. In response to the EU's threat of sanctions, Nicolas Maduro said that the new sanctions would only harm the people of Venezuela. The United States and major Latin American countries had previously protested the conduct of the Venezuelan presidential elections, stating that democratic standards were not upheld in these elections. Member countries of the Lima Group, consisting of 14 countries from the Americas, also previously issued a statement declaring that they do not recognize the results of the Venezuelan elections and will reduce their level of diplomatic relations. In this context, the President of Venezuela expelled a chargé d'affaires and an American diplomat.