Venezuela Expels Diplomats from Seven Latin American Countries Amid Election Dispute

In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, the Venezuelan government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, has demanded the immediate withdrawal of diplomatic personnel from seven Latin American countries: Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, Dominican Republic, and Uruguay. This action, announced on July 29, 2024, comes in direct response to these nations’ criticism of Venezuela’s recent presidential election results.The Venezuelan government has also recalled its own diplomatic staff from these seven countries, citing ‘interfering actions and statements’ regarding the presidential elections held on Sunday. Foreign Minister Yván Gil accused these governments of being ‘subordinate to Washington’ and committed to ‘the most repugnant ideological postulates of international fascism’.The National Electoral Council (CNE) officially declared Maduro the winner of the elections with 51.2% of the votes, while the main opposition candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, reportedly received 44.2%. However, opposition leaders have disputed these results, claiming Maduro actually lost by a margin of two to one.Several governments, including those affected by Venezuela’s diplomatic action, have expressed deep concern over the election’s development and transparency. They have demanded a complete review of the results and called for an urgent meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS).In response to the international criticism, the Venezuelan government has stated that it ‘reserves the right to take legal and political actions to defend its right to self-determination’ and will confront any actions that threaten the country’s peace and coexistence. This move has further isolated Venezuela diplomatically, with only a few countries such as Russia, Nicaragua, Cuba, China, and Iran congratulating Maduro on his victory.The situation remains tense, with potential implications for regional stability and Venezuela’s international relations. As the crisis unfolds, the international community watches closely, with concerns about the democratic process in Venezuela and the potential for further escalation of diplomatic conflicts in the region.

Key points

• Venezuela has demanded the withdrawal of diplomatic personnel from seven Latin American countries due to their criticism of recent election results.
• The National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner with 51.

2% of votes, but opposition leaders dispute these results.

• Several countries have called for a review of the election results and an urgent OAS meeting.
• Venezuela has accused critical governments of being ‘subordinate to Washington’ and adhering to ‘international fascism’.

Contradictions👾While the CNE declared Maduro the winner with 51.

2% of votes, opposition leaders claim he actually lost by a margin of two to one.

👾The Venezuelan government accuses other countries of interfering, while simultaneously interfering in their affairs by demanding the withdrawal of their diplomatic personnel.