Brazil's Lula calls for audit of election results to end crisis in Venezuela

By Jorge Antonio Rocha

MEXICO CITY (AA) - Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva shared his views Tuesday on the social unrest rattling Venezuela following the results of its presidential election in which incumbent Nicolas Maduro secured a third term, triggering massive and violent protests in the country.

In an exclusive interview with TV Centro America at the Planalto Palace, the Brazilian leader urged his Venezuelan counterpart to present the tally sheets to confirm the legitimacy of the results, which are mired in fraud allegations.

"It's normal to have a dispute. How is this dispute resolved? Present the tally sheets. If the tally sheets raise doubts about the opposition and the situation, the opposition files an appeal and waits for the court process. There will be a decision that we must accept. I am convinced this is a normal, straightforward process," he said.

After the Venezuelan electoral body signaled a resounding victory for Maduro with 51.2% of the vote, prolonging his rule for another six years, the political opposition and countries in the international community denounced the results, alleging fraud.

Opposition leader Marina Corina Machado and presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez assured that they have 73% of the tally sheets, which they claim prove that Gonzalez won with 70% of the vote.

The electoral and political struggle has resulted in thousands of Venezuelans taking to the streets and demanding an end to Maduro's rule.

The protests turned violent and have so far left 11 dead, two of them minors, as well as hundreds injured, with more than 177 people arrested by the authorities.

Amid the crisis, the US-based Carter Center, one of the few independent bodies allowed to monitor the elections, announced the withdrawal of its staff from the country.

Countries such as Argentina, Peru and Chile have denounced the results of the election, while other Latin American nations including Brazil, Mexico and Colombia have demanded an audit of the tally sheets to make a final decision.

"When the tally sheets have been presented, and it is confirmed that they are accurate, we all have an obligation to recognize Venezuela's electoral results," said Lula.