-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. - Sinn Féin party yet to renounce their support of Maduro -
Fianna Fáil Foreign Affairs and Trade Spokesperson Darragh O’Brien TD has expressed concern about the worsening political situation in Venezuela. In the latest developments in the South American country, Venezuelan security officials seized two opposition leaders and high profile critics of Maduro in overnight raids after they urged protests against the recently elected Constituent Assembly. “Following months of escalating unrest, more than 100 lives have been lost during one individual’s authoritarian pursuit for sweeping power," explained Deputy O'Brien. “The strong man tactics of Nicolás Maduro, who succeeded the late Venezuelan President, Hugo Chávez, have proven to be nothing more than blatant assaults on democratic freedoms in a bid for one-party rule, and have crippled an entire people. “18 years after the coming to power of Chavez and his Fifth Republic Movement, the people of Venezuela have been left teetering on the precipice. Venezuela has been led towards collapse and the country is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy and possible civil war. A humanitarian crisis comes on the heels of economic turmoil and I believe the international community has a responsibility to speak up for the Venezuelan people and to urgently respond to its plight. He added, “The deteriorating political situation in Venezuela also raises questions for Sinn Féin and their support for what can now only be described as an anti-democratic and increasingly authoritarian regime. “Sinn Féin's continued support of Maduro and their failure to condemn his actions demonstrates that they are selective in their support of basic democratic principles. “In my opinion, no party which believes in democracy and the rule of law can stand over what is currently happening in Venezuela and Sinn Féin needs to state clearly where they stand on this rapidly deteriorating situation”, concluded O'Brien. |
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May 2024
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