What International Observers Say
About Venezuela’s Elections
Venezuela’s elections are among the most heavily scrutinized in the world. The legislative elections from December 2005 were observed by delegations from the European Union and the Organization of American States (OAS). The 2004 Recall Referendum was observed by a number of international bodies, including the OAS and the Carter Center. Below, in their own words, are statements from these observers on how Venezuela’s elections are conducted, as well as their comments on Venezuela’s opposition parties.
On
Electronic Voting Machines:
“The Venezuelan voting system possesses a number of features
that are in line with the most advanced international standards of
e-voting. In certain aspects, such as
the paper trail audit, the system developed in Venezuela is probably the most
advanced system in the world to date.”
-European
Union Election Observation Mission
March 2006[1]
“The security and transparency measures introduced in the automated voting process are in line with the most advanced international practice.” Also, “The general conclusion of the observers was that the voting machines seemed very reliable.”
-European
Union Election Observation Mission
March 2006[2]
On
2005 Legislative Elections, and the Opposition’s decision to boycott:
“We had a problem with the Venezuelan opposition, which assured us that they would not withdraw from the [electoral] process if certain conditions were met. These were met and despite this, they withdrew. This had an impact on the high abstention.”
-OAS
General Secretary Jose Miguel Insulza
December 2005 [3]
Venezuelan elections officials “technically administered the process well,” and “demonstrated a clear willingness to meet the demands of the opposition parties to increase confidence in the process.”
-European
Union Election Observation Mission
March
2006[4]
“It is of concern that due to the withdrawal of the opposition, an important portion of the citizenry is left without representation in the National Assembly,” and “Every democracy requires an institutional opposition committed to the electoral process, so that it can loyally participate in the democratic system.”
-Electoral
Observation Mission of the Organization of American States
December 2005[5]
On
the 2004 Recall Referendum:
“The Carter Center
concludes that the automated machines worked well and the voting results do
reflect the will of the people.”
-Carter Center Venezuela Referendum
Observation Delegation
August 2004[6]
“The unusually high
turnout of 73 percent reflects the intense interest in this recall referendum.
The Venezuelan people are to be commended for standing in line for hours
without incidents, in this demonstration of civic participation and pride.” “We
urge all Venezuelans to accept these results and look to the future.”
-Carter Center Venezuela Referendum
Observation Delegation
August 2004[7]