Russia on Monday hailed Venezuela's legislative elections as "transparent," after President Nicolas Maduro won total control of the country in polls boycotted by the opposition and widely criticized by other international powers.
"The electoral process in Venezuela was organized in a more responsible and transparent manner than in some countries which usually present themselves as an 'example of democracy'," Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The statement added that "no serious violations" had been recorded during the Sunday vote, the result of which has been rejected by Brazil, the United States, Canada, the Organization of American States and the European Union among others.
"We start from the principle that the new National Assembly will be the place... for a constructive dialogue between all the political forces" to help to "overcome the disagreements which exist in Venezuelan society," the Russian ministry said.
Moscow, an ally of Venezuela and Maduro, said that the refusal by "certain governments" to recognize the election "demonstrates their inability to accept objective reality and to show respect for the will of millions of Venezuelan citizens."
With the opposition boycotting the vote, turnout was just 31%.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
