The Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) in Venezuela, a judiciary body dominated by the Chavist regime, confirmed on Thursday the results announced by the National Electoral Council (CNE) regarding the July 28 elections, which declared Nicolás Maduro the winner in a contest rife with irregularities and widely denounced as fraudulent by the Venezuelan public and international observers.
"This chamber declares, based on the conducted expert examination and the report prepared by national and international experts, the unquestionable validity of the examined electoral materials and validates the presidential election results," stated Caryslia Rodríguez, the president of the court.
This affirmation disregards the complaints filed by the opposition, led by María Corina Machado and former presidential candidate Edmundo González, as well as the protests against the alleged fraud that have erupted in various Venezuelan cities and globally.
Recently, former presidential candidate and ex-vice president of the National Electoral Council of Venezuela, Enrique Márquez, requested the recusal of Caryslia Beatriz Rodríguez, claiming she has political ties to President Nicolás Maduro and the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), reported CNN.
"The president of the Electoral Chamber has neither hidden her political connections in the past nor the present, and a judge cannot, under any circumstance, deliver justice impartially if they are not unbiased," Márquez stated.
Previously, the U.S. government warned of consequences for those facilitating "electoral fraud and repression," emphasizing that accountability will be demanded. Over three weeks after the presidential elections, the official tallies have yet to be published.
Opposition leader Machado had challenged the TSJ to "grow a spine" and stand on the right side of history in this fraudulent episode.
FAQs on Venezuela's Electoral Controversy
In light of the recent developments in Venezuela's contested elections, here are some common questions and answers to provide clarity on the situation.
What was the main accusation against the July 28 elections in Venezuela?
The main accusation was that the elections were fraught with irregularities and widely regarded as fraudulent by both national and international observers.
Who led the opposition against the election results?
The opposition was led by María Corina Machado and former presidential candidate Edmundo González.
What were Enrique Márquez's concerns about Caryslia Beatriz Rodríguez?
Enrique Márquez was concerned about Rodríguez's political ties to President Nicolás Maduro and the United Socialist Party of Venezuela, indicating a lack of impartiality in her judicial role.