Statement by Lima Group regarding regional elections in Venezuela

October 17, 2017

In view of the various obstacles, acts of intimidation, manipulation and irregularities that characterized the elections held in Venezuela on October 15, 2017, which put into question the results of that election, the governments of Argentina, Brazil , Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay and Peru consider that an independent audit of the entire electoral process, supported by specialized and recognized international observers, is urgently required to resolve the controversy generated by the election results and to discern the true decision of the people of Venezuela.