EU Withholds Democratic Recognition from Maduro After Disputed Election

The European Union foreign ministers announced they would not recognize the 'democratic legitimacy' of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro following disputed elections. They called for credible data to support Maduro's victory claims and highlighted significant concerns about political persecution and human rights abuses in the country.

In a significant move, European Union foreign ministers declared they will not recognize the 'democratic legitimacy' of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after the country's contested elections, according to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

The EU ministers decided not to accept Maduro's legitimacy following Venezuela's electoral body's failure to provide credible data supporting his announced victory in the July 28 election. Despite Maduro remaining president de facto, his democratic legitimacy is denied due to unverifiable results, Borrell noted after the ministerial meeting in Brussels.

While the EU has not imposed any sanctions related to the election, Borrell emphasized that the decision serves as a 'strong statement' from the bloc, representing 450 million people. The situation in Venezuela has led to considerable unrest, including at least 27 deaths from protests and the detention of multiple opposition leaders.

(With inputs from agencies.)