U.S. Senators Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Demanding Free Elections in Venezuela

U.S. senators Ted Cruz and Jeanne Shaheen have introduced a bipartisan resolution in the Senate, reaffirming Washington's support for a democratic transition in Venezuela through free, fair, and transparent elections. The initiative, backed by several other senators, emphasizes that any political process in Venezuela must ensure democratic conditions, the release of political prisoners, and the participation of all political actors.

The resolution reiterates the U.S. policy of backing a peaceful democratic transition in Venezuela. It states that future elections must offer citizens the freedom to choose their representatives. The document specifically recalls the July 28 presidential election, noting the State Department's conclusion that Nicolás Maduro did not win, and that Edmundo González Urrutia received the most votes based on U.S. evidence.

It also highlights the restrictions imposed on María Corina Machado, who was prevented from participating in the presidential election after the Supreme Court upheld a 15-year ban. The resolution also mentions the inability of Corina Yoris to register as a presidential candidate and the subsequent endorsement of Edmundo González Urrutia by the opposition.

“

The Venezuelan people deserve free, fair, and transparent elections, and it is vital for the United States' national security interests that such elections are held promptly. A legitimately elected government would lay the groundwork for freedom and prosperity in Venezuela and establish the foundation for a deep and lasting alliance with the United States, which would include cooperation on security, combating drug trafficking, and the economy.

Senator Ted Cruz stated that democratic elections in Venezuela are a U.S. national security interest. He believes a legitimately elected government would foster cooperation between the two countries. "The Venezuelan people deserve free, fair, and transparent elections, and it is vital for the United States' national security interests that such elections are held promptly," Cruz said. "A legitimately elected government would lay the groundwork for freedom and prosperity in Venezuela and establish the foundation for a deep and lasting alliance with the United States, which would include cooperation on security, combating drug trafficking, and the economy."

Cruz added that the resolution insists on the release of all political prisoners as a prerequisite for any legitimate electoral process and warned against aggression toward political leaders. "This resolution reiterates that such elections require the release of all political prisoners, while any serious harm suffered by any person..."

“

This resolution reiterates that such elections require the release of all political prisoners, while any serious harm suffered by any person...