Blocked Observers: Venezuela Halts Flights Ahead of Crucial Election

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino announced that due to a Venezuelan airspace blockade, a plane carrying former Latin American presidents was denied departure. The Venezuelan government, aiming to secure an upcoming presidential election, has restricted border movements, prompting concerns about election transparency and fairness from international observers.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino announced on Friday that a plane carrying former Latin American presidents was not allowed to take off due to a blockade of Venezuela's airspace.

Last week, Venezuela issued a decree closing its borders by land, air, and sea from midnight Friday. The decree aims to secure the presidential election, in which President Nicolas Maduro pursues a third term. Notable passengers included former presidents Mireya Moscoso of Panama and Vicente Fox of Mexico.

'The aircraft was denied permission to take off from Tocumen as long as they remain on board,' Mulino stated on X. Nicolas Maduro has caused the suspension of all Copa flights to Venezuela, Fox said in a video from Tocumen Airport after leaving the plane.

Venezuela's Ministry of Information and Copa Airlines did not respond to Reuters requests for comment. Panama's Foreign Ministry has summoned Venezuela's diplomatic representative in Panama, Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha announced on X.

Martinez-Acha added that Venezuela's transportation minister assured there would be no impediment for Copa flights in both directions. Earlier, former Argentine President Alberto Fernandez and Brazil's electoral court both withdrew from observing Venezuela's election, heightening concerns about the vote's transparency.

Senior U.S. officials expressed concern on Friday about restrictions on international monitoring and urged Maduro to reconsider. Maduro claims the country has the world's most transparent electoral system.

(With inputs from agencies.)