White House on Venezuela election results: 'Our patience is running out'
White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby stated that they have serious concerns that the election results in Venezuela do not meet "democratic standards," adding, "Our patience and the patience of the international community is running out. I expect the Venezuelan electoral authorities to release the full and detailed election results so that everyone can see the outcome."
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White House National Security Communications Advisor Kirby evaluated the latest developments in Venezuela during his daily press briefing.
Kirby stated that they fully agree with independent reports arguing that the election results in Venezuela do not meet "democratic standards" and "principles of electoral integrity," and therefore they are calling on the Nicolas Maduro administration to release the comprehensive election results as soon as possible.
Kirby said, "Our patience and the patience of the international community is running out. I expect the Venezuelan electoral authorities to release the full and detailed election results so that everyone can see the outcome."
Expressing that they understand the Venezuelan people taking to the streets and that they cannot blame anyone for doing so, Kirby also stated that they are concerned about the rising political violence in the country and hold the Maduro administration responsible for these incidents.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
According to the results announced by the National Electoral Council of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro won the presidential election for the third time with 51.20 percent of the vote.
Following the conclusion of the elections, the opposition issued a statement on July 29, claiming that the data from the National Electoral Council was inaccurate and that the results were fraudulent.
So far, 11 people have lost their lives in clashes between security forces and protesters during demonstrations held in the country on the grounds that the election results were fraudulent.