Independent Experts Validate Opposition’s Tally Sheets in Venezuelan Election Dispute
Independent election experts from the Carter Center have endorsed tally sheets presented by the Venezuelan opposition, suggesting they indicate President Nicolás Maduro’s loss. Despite the government’s claims of victory, the opposition secured evidence from the majority of voting machines. The discussion with the Organization of American States highlights the need for transparency in Venezuela’s electoral reporting.
An independent expert group that monitored Venezuela’s presidential election in July has validated the tally sheets presented by the opposition, asserting they demonstrate President Nicolás Maduro’s defeat. During a session with the Organization of American States (OAS), representatives from the U.S.-based Carter Center confirmed that the electronic voting system functioned properly and indicated that stakeholders involved are aware of the actual results. The session focused on the contested tally sheets, known as actas, which are crucial documents in Venezuela’s electoral process. These sheets are generated by the 30,000 electronic voting machines deployed during the election, and each machine produces copies that can be accessed by representatives of the participating parties. While electoral officials prematurely announced Maduro’s victory post-election, they failed to provide the detailed breakdowns previously released in past elections, claiming a cyberattack as the reason. However, the main opposition coalition managed to obtain and publish tally sheets from more than 80% of the voting machines online. In response, the government accused the opposition of circulating false information and initiated an investigation against its members, including their candidate, Edmundo González. Carter Center representative Jennie Lincoln emphasized that while the voting system is electronic, it produces a verifiable paper trail. She noted, “The voting system is electronic, but it offers a paper trail – proof of what the electronic machine reports – and that is what was collected by tens of thousands of poll watchers, not just from the opposition, but also from the government party, the PSUV, that also has the same information.” Lincoln refrained from officially declaring a winner, reminding attendees that observers do not determine electoral outcomes, which is the duty of electoral authorities. The OAS and various governments have urged Venezuela’s election authorities to disclose comprehensive voting data, indicating the call for increased transparency in the electoral process. This session was specifically requested by multiple countries, including Argentina, Costa Rica, and the United States, highlighting the international interest in this electoral dispute.
The electoral landscape in Venezuela has become increasingly contentious, especially regarding claims of fraud and misrepresentation during presidential elections. The 2023 presidential election saw allegations from the opposition regarding the legitimacy of the results, prompting independent observation to assess the situation. Tally sheets, the key evidence in this context, are vital for verifying election outcomes and have traditionally been accepted as definitive proof of voting results in Venezuela. However, the ruling party has a history of challenging the opposition’s claims, leading to investigations and accusations of misinformation.
In conclusion, the Carter Center’s validation of the opposition’s tally sheets presents a significant challenge to the official narrative surrounding President Maduro’s election victory. As independent experts confirm the functionality and reliability of the electronic voting system, the call for transparent and detailed electoral data becomes increasingly urgent. The outcome of this dispute not only affects Venezuela but also has broader implications for political stability in the region.
Original Source: apnews.com
