EU concerned over ‘fate of democracy’ in Venezuela

BRUSSELS: The EU voiced concern on Monday over the fate of democracy in Venezuela, adding there are “grave doubts” that it can recognize a controversial vote.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro claimed victory in Sunday’s election for an assembly to rewrite the constitution amid a crackdown on protests that have left more than 120 people dead in four months.

“The events of the past 24 hours have reinforced the EU’s preoccupation for the fate of democracy in Venezuela,” European Commission Spokeswoman Mina Andreeva told a daily briefing.

“The commission indeed has grave doubts about whether the election result can be recognized,” said the spokewsoman for the executive of the 28-nation EU.

“A Constituent Assembly, elected under doubtful and often violent circumstances cannot be part of the solution.”

The EU also “condemns the excessive and disproportionate use of force by security forces,” while urging all sides to “refrain from violence,” she said.

Protesters attacked polling stations and barricaded streets around the country on Sunday, drawing a bloody response from security forces, who opened fire with live ammunition in some cases.

Maduro encouraged the new “Constituent Assembly” to wield its vast powers to scrap opposition lawmakers’ immunity from prosecution as one of its first acts. Protesters fear the new body is designed to keep Maduro in power.

Meanwhile, European Parliament President Antonio Tajani denounced what his office called a “fraudulent” and illegitimate” election.

“It is a sad day for democracy in Venezuela, in Latin America and in the world as international treaties and the country’s own constitution are violated, most importantly, against the will of the people,” Tajani said after talks with Venezuela’s opposition.

Venezuelans also protested in Miami, Madrid and various Latin American cities.

The number of Venezuelans living abroad has soared as the once-booming oil producer has descended into a devastating economic crisis marked by shortages, runaway inflation, riots and looting.

The US envoy to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, condemned the vote as a “sham” — a word also used by Britain’s Junior Foreign Minister, Alan Duncan, and many experts.

“The vote means the end of any trace of democratic rule. Maduro’s blatant power grab removes any ambiguity about whether Venezuela is a democracy,” said Michael Shifter, head of the Inter-American Dialogue research center.