BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – The United States government is intensifying its pressure on the Nicolás Maduro-led administration in Venezuela for the release of official results from the July elections.
In a new round of actions, the U.S. has imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on 16 Maduro-affiliated individuals, including members of the National Electoral Council, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, and the pro-Maduro National Assembly.
The U.S. Treasury Department announced today that the sanctioned officials “impeded a transparent electoral process and the release of accurate election results.” Simultaneously, the Department of State is implementing new visa restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 9931 on officials aligned with Maduro, who are accused of undermining Venezuela’s electoral process and engaging in acts of repression.
Following the July 28 general elections, the Venezuelan government has refused to release official voting data. Meanwhile, opposition candidate Edmundo González claims to have won with more than 50% of the vote. However, the National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner, with 52% of the vote compared to González’s 46%.
Since then, arrest warrants have been issued for several opposition figures, including González, who has fled to Spain seeking asylum. In response, the international community has condemned the actions of the Venezuelan government in Caracas.
“Including today’s action, Treasury has sanctioned over 140 current or former Venezuela officials for contributing to the situation in the country," the U.S. State Department noted. "Nearly 2,000 individuals have been identified to date by the State Department as potentially subject to visa restrictions under various authorities for their role in undermining democracy.”
The Treasury Department sent a strong message through Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo, who stated, “Today, the United States is taking decisive action against Maduro and his representatives for their repression of the Venezuelan people and denial of their citizens’ rights to a free and fair election.”
He added, “We are targeting key officials involved in Maduro’s fraudulent claims of victory and the subsequent crackdown on free expression, as the majority of Venezuelans call for change. The Biden-Harris administration will continue using its tools to hold Maduro and his allies accountable while supporting the democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan people.”
The United States, along with several other governments, has been highly critical of Maduro’s handling of the election and governance of Venezuela. However, some of the country’s allies, including the Federation, have already congratulated Maduro on his victory.
St. Kitts and Nevis Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas has called for calm, as the Organization of American States (OAS) and other international partners work to restore stability in Venezuela.
