Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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56. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent allegations of voting fraud in the Venezuelan Presidential Election; the efforts being made at an EU level to verify the result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28617/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Following Presidential elections in Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro was inaugurated as President on 19th April 2013. The election process was closely contested, with the Venezuelan National Electoral Commission recording President Maduro ahead of the leading opposition candidate, Henrique Capriles, by 1.49%The European Union is monitoring closely developments in Venezuela. Following the April Presidential elections, the EU High Representative Ashton called upon all parties to engage in peaceful dialogue and to reject violence. While commending the high participation and orderly, calm conduct of the elections, EU High Representative Ashton expressed concern at the growing polarisation of Venezuelan society. She added that it is important that the outcome of the vote can be accepted by all and that appeals be duly considered by the competent Venezuelan authorities. Following a full audit of the April elections, on 11th June last the National Electoral Commission confirmed the result in favour of President Maduro. I understand that Mr Capriles has been very critical of this audit process and may continue to pursue his appeal against the result through legal channels.

I join with the EU High Representative Ashton in calling upon all parties in Venezuela to engage constructively in the promotion of good governance. It is important in all democratic societies that citizens have confidence in their institutions and that any allegations of irregularity in elections be addressed fully by the relevant authorities through appropriate appeal mechanisms.