MEXICO CITY – The recent elections in Venezuela have sparked controversy and calls for transparency from leaders across Latin America. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Colombian President Gustavo Petro have joined the chorus, demanding that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro release voting tallies to ensure the credibility of the electoral process.

The two leaders emphasized the importance of transparent publication of disaggregated and verifiable data to restore trust in the electoral system. They also expressed concerns about the reports of repression and violence against protestors in Venezuela.

The Venezuelan Supreme Court’s certification of the election results has been met with skepticism, with many countries, including the U.S., rejecting the court’s ruling. Opposition parties have accused Maduro of electoral fraud, citing discrepancies in the voting tallies.

Despite being close allies of Maduro, Lula and Petro have taken a firm stance in demanding transparency and accountability in the electoral process. They have called for dialogue between the government and the opposition to address the ongoing crisis in Venezuela.

The situation in Venezuela remains tense, with arrests and crackdowns on protestors stirring fear among the population. Key opposition figures have gone into hiding, and the government is pursuing investigations into alleged attempts to destabilize the country.

As the international community monitors the developments in Venezuela, the need for peaceful dialogue and democratic coexistence has never been more urgent. Lula and Petro’s call for transparency and respect for democratic values reflects a growing consensus among regional leaders.