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NAM CSSTC Observers Visited Miranda during the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela’s Regional and Municipal Elections
The Non-Aligned Movement Centre for South-South Technical Cooperation (NAM CSSTC) Observer Mission has complimented all elements involved in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela’s regional and municipal elections for the peaceful election process in Miranda on November 21, 2021.
This respect was shown by the mission to the Venezuelan National Election Committee (NEC), military troops who guaranteed security and serenity at polling sites, and police who ensured the protection of international observers.
According to the mission, the committee was responsive to the needs of the electorate including voters with impairments such as motor difficulties.
“The voters’ anonymity or privacy regarding the candidates they chose was likewise effectively protected,” the Mission noted in its report.
The mission reported a 1.5-hour delay in opening polling stations owing to station preparation, resulting in significantly later voting, however the President of the NEC Venezuela extended the election until 7 p.m.
Miranda was visited by three NAM CSSTC observers. On Election Day, NAM CSSTC observers visited five polling sites to watch the Regional and Municipal Election system and participation in an impartial manner, including accountability and transparency – in such a way that it contributed to peace as part of the endeavour to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over 1,000 voters were registered at each polling location.
The NAM CSSTC mission commended the administration for providing adequate sensitisation to citizens regarding voting procedures prior to the election, as voters who arrived at the polling site appeared to be comfortable with the procedure.
According to the report, the NAM CSSTC mission was delighted that the election was held in a calm setting. Each political party competing for office was allowed to send a witness to watch the voting process on their own. International observers were arriving from Asia, Africa, Europe, and America, which was a remarkable step by the Venezuelan administration – and this functioned as a tool to ensure the openness and credibility of the election. Personnel at polling stations included NEC staff assigned to the station as well as military personnel. One citizen was sometimes appointed to engage in election administration in specific polling sites.
“Although certain voting processes differed greatly from those of other nations, the NAM CSSTC delegates believe that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. Each law and regulation must be born of or drawn from the people’s customs or traditions and culture. As long as there are no objections from Venezuelans, voting operations in Venezuela are as prefect as they can be.”
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