OAS Rejects Venezuelan Election Results Amid Controversy

The Organization of American States (OAS) has announced it cannot recognize the election results declared by Venezuela's national electoral council, which named President Nicolas Maduro as the winner. Citing bias and malpractices, the OAS urges for greater transparency amidst widespread protests and international criticism.

The Organization of American States (OAS) stated on Tuesday that it cannot recognize the results declared by Venezuela's national electoral council, which named President Nicolas Maduro as the winner of Sunday's contested vote.

The 35-member regional organization, set to discuss Venezuela on Wednesday, criticized the National Election Council (CNE) for bias towards the government. Official results claimed Maduro secured 51% of the votes, but opposition figures argued that 73% of vote tallies in their possession indicated their candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, received more than twice as many votes as Maduro.

Protests have ensued across Venezuela, with the United States and various Latin American leaders rejecting the results or calling for greater transparency. The OAS report described a coordinated strategy to undermine the electoral process, detailing past and present illegalities and malpractices. The evidence, it noted, reflects an effort by the regime to disregard the majority's will.

OAS reiterated that the Venezuelan electoral system seems to serve the executive power rather than its citizens. Although Maduro insists Venezuela has the world's best and most transparent voting system, he alleges violent right-wing factions, with foreign support, seek to oust him illegally.

Supported by China, Russia, and some left-leaning Latin American nations, the OAS report concluded that the election results lack public documentary support and should not be trusted or recognized.

(With inputs from agencies.)