WILLEMSTAD - A week after the elections in the neighboring country, there is still no clarity about the definitive result of the presidential elections.
Steven Croes’ stance aligns with that of European Union countries, including the Netherlands, which demand documents clarifying who exactly won the elections: the current president Nicolás Maduro or opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia.
Recently, Croes attended Brionplein along with a large group of Venezuelans living in Curaçao to show his solidarity and sorrow over the lack of clarity and the continued absence of the freedom they have long desired. As is well known, millions of Venezuelans worldwide want a change in government after more than 25 years of ‘Chavismo.’
In recent years, more than 8 million Venezuelans have left their country in search of a better economic future, hoping that the crisis will end soon. Hundreds of Venezuelans have also settled here in Curaçao, many after risking their lives at sea for a better future. After last Sunday's elections, they feel betrayed by a corrupt electoral system that has once again literally stolen their future.
Croes emphasizes the need for respect for the fundamental norms, rules, and procedures of democracy in the neighboring country. There are many serious reports of mistreatment and arrest of protesters who have taken to the streets to demand clarification of the election results. The current violence and suppression of citizens peacefully demonstrating are also condemned by Mr. Croes. He hopes that the electoral institute will quickly publish legitimate evidence so that the world can see the true result of the presidential elections.