Sinn Féin complicit in Venezuelan electoral fraud

                         -Vote rigging in Venezuela defies Sinn Féin’s claims that
​                                              election was “fair and equitable”-
​Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Trade, Darragh O’Brien TD has condemned Sinn Féin for its role in the corrupt election in Venezuela on Sunday as further revelations surrounding the flawed poll are revealed.


Earlier this week the e-voting firm behind Sunday’s vote, Smartmatic, cast doubt over the outcome of its polls for a new assembly and confirmed that the turnout figures were in fact “manipulated.”


The Deputy was responding to reports that Sinn Féin MP for Newry & Armagh, Mickey Brady has declared that the riot marred elections which he  were “fair and equitable” despite the absence of internally recognised independent observers.


Deputy O’Brien stated, “It is perplexing that the Sinn Féin party continues to give cover to an underhand regime that is actively interfering in elections and over-inflating turnout figures. In my opinion, no party which believes in democracy and the rule of law can stand over what is currently happening in Venezuela.


“The Maduro led regime in the South American country has caused a dramatic plunge in living standards, food shortages, triple-digit inflation, high crime and endemic corruption at all levels of the State.


“Sinn Féin has continually expressed its support for this disastrous autocratic administration through motions at its Ard Fhéis in both 2014 and 2015. It is actively assisting the Venezuelan dictator attain sweeping powers by trying to cover up fraudulent elections such as Sunday’s.


“A string of Sinn Féin MPs have all been previously hand chosen by Maduro to play along as non-independent election observers.


“It is time for the Sinn Féin party to recant their support and join the growing number of voices who unreservedly condemn those who are pursuing an anti-democratic agenda in Venezuela"  Deputy O’Brien stated.