EU warns Venezuela about elections

brussels - All political parties in Venezuela must have a fair chance to take part in the May 20 elections. The Venezuelan government must guarantee free and credible elections and stop undermining democracy, otherwise 'appropriate measures' can follow, warns the European Union.

On 20 May, presidential and local elections will be held in the country hit hard by an economic crisis. The opposition has been sidelined, political prisoners have been set up and obstacles have been raised for non-governmental parties and candidates. The EU will keep a close eye on the conduct of the elections, says foreign chief Federica Mogherini on behalf of the Member States.

In January, the EU put seven high-ranking political and military officials of the rule of the leftist populist Nicolás Maduro on a sanction list. In November, the union forbade the delivery of weapons to Venezuela and other goods that could be used to suppress the population.

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