LETTER: Nicolas Maduro cheated
ANC betrays its own principles by keeping silent about iIlegitimate president clinging to power
It is reasonable to have a policy of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs. This seems to be the crux of Brian van der Vijver’s issues with foreign support of Juan Guaidó’s claim to be the legitimate president of Venezuela ("Maimane Backs US Stooge", February 20).
It is rather disingenuous, however, to go on to claim that “Nicolas Maduro won a free election with 67% of the popular vote”. This view borders on delusional and cannot be backed by any objective viewing of the facts. Every aspect of the election was a farce, with opposition leaders in jail or hounded out of the country. This alone would negate any possible legitimacy of the election. But in the circus of Venezuela, it wasn’t enough for the government to win a one-horse race, it went far beyond — moving the election date forward by several months at short notice. The official turnout figure of under 50% was double the actual turnout, meaning ballot stuffing is the only reason for Maduro’s “victory”. I...
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