SVG diplomat reports ‘orderly and efficient voting’ in Venezuela

St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Ambassador to Cuba, Ellsworth John, who led a CARICOM Observer Mission to the recently held presidential and state legislative council elections in Venezuela, has reported that the mission was satisfied that the elections were conducted efficiently and in a fair and transparent manner.

He told a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday that all registered voters who wanted to exercise their right to vote participated in a peaceful and accommodating environment.

John said that based on the process observed, the mission is satisfied that the results of the elections “reflect the will of the majority of voters in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.”

He said that the observer mission recommended the introduction of a distinctive dress or uniform for those officials responsible for the conduct of the poll in the polling stations, to distinguish them from voters, observers and the media.

The mission also suggested that all campaigning should end before election day, John said, adding that persons were observed chanting at one polling station on election day.

Another recommendation is that voter’s lists be placed in locations where they are protected from the elements and the font on the lists be improved.

The ambassador said the observer mission, which arrived in Venezuela on May 17, held meetings with the National Electoral Council and President of the Supreme Court, among others, and visited 40 polling booths.

The observer mission comprised Ambassador Anthony Liverpool, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, Ambassador Felix Gregoire, Ambassador of Dominica to CARICOM and Senator Chester Humphrey, Trade Unionist and President of the Senate in Grenada.

The May 20 election saw Nicolas Maduro being re-elected for a second six-year term.