The Colombian Foreign Minister, Luis Gilberto Murillo, reiterated this Wednesday that his country will not recognize the results of the Venezuelan elections if the minutes are not presented before January 10, 2025, when the current presidential term of Nicolás Maduro ends.
“The position of the National Government remains clear: the presentation of the minutes must be carried out before the end of the current presidential term, on January 10, 2025,” said Murillo in a message published on the X social network.
He added: “Otherwise, as the president (Gustavo Petro) has already expressed, Colombia will not recognize the results,” referring to the Venezuelan presidential elections held on July 28.
The Governments of Colombia and Brazil have tried to mediate in the crisis that Venezuela is experiencing since the National Electoral Council (CNE) announced Maduro’s disputed victory.
None of these countries has yet recognized the re-election of the Venezuelan president, but neither have they opted for the victory of the former opposition candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, and are committed to requesting that the electoral records be published and opening paths of dialogue between the parties. .
On September 25, President Petro pointed out in an interview with CNN that Colombia and Brazil have a common position: “if there is no presentation of minutes, there is no recognition.”
On August 22, the Electoral Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) of Venezuela, chaired by Chavista Caryslia Rodríguez, validated the official results of the elections, questioned inside and outside the country.
Meanwhile, the majority opposition – grouped in the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD) – maintains that its standard-bearer, González Urrutia, is the winner of the elections based on “83.5% of the electoral records”, collected by witnesses and members table on election day, to reinforce their claim.
To date, the CNE has not published the disaggregated results – as established in its schedule – that confirm Maduro’s victory, despite numerous requests from the opposition and a large part of the international community.
Bogotá / EFE
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**Interview with Luis Gilberto Murillo, Colombian Foreign Minister**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Murillo. Your recent statements on the Venezuelan elections have garnered significant attention. Can you clarify Colombia’s position regarding the recognition of these elections?
**Luis Gilberto Murillo:** Thank you for having me. Colombia’s position is quite clear: we will not recognize the results of the upcoming Venezuelan elections unless the electoral minutes are presented before January 10, 2025, the date when Nicolás Maduro’s current term ends. This deadline is crucial for us to ensure the legitimacy of the electoral process.
**Interviewer:** What concerns does Colombia have about the electoral process in Venezuela?
**Luis Gilberto Murillo:** Our primary concern is transparency and fairness. The Venezuelan political crisis has profoundly affected not only Venezuela but also its neighbors. For a credible election, we need to ensure that all democratic norms are upheld, including the timely presentation of electoral documents. Without this, any results might not reflect the will of the Venezuelan people.
**Interviewer:** How does Colombia plan to engage with other countries on this issue?
**Luis Gilberto Murillo:** We are actively collaborating with our regional partners, such as Brazil, to present a united front and encourage free and fair elections in Venezuela. It is essential that regional actors collectively advocate for proper electoral conduct. Our involvement in international forums will also continue, as we aim to apply pressure for a transparent political process in Venezuela.
**Interviewer:** Given the complex political landscape in Venezuela, what alternative measures could Colombia consider if the elections are not recognized?
**Luis Gilberto Murillo:** Should the electoral process fails to meet our standards, we will explore diplomatic avenues, including sanctions or joint resolutions with international organizations, to express our stance. Our priority remains the well-being of Venezuelans, and we must consider all measures that could potentially support a transition to a truly democratic government.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Minister Murillo. It seems that the situation in Venezuela remains critical, and Colombia is committed to advocating for democratic integrity.
**Luis Gilberto Murillo:** Absolutely. Thank you for having me. Our commitment to democracy and the Venezuelan people remains steadfast.
