Venezuelan Elections at a Time of Human Rights Concerns
Announcement
Co-hosted by the Senate Human Rights Caucus
In conjunction with Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights and the National Endowment for Democracy
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In recent years Venezuela has experienced escalating political turmoil and severe economic crises under the leadership of President Nicolás Maduro. High inflation rates, cuts in public services, and the breakdown in protection of due process have set the stage for contentious legislative elections on December 6, 2015. Poll numbers increasingly indicate grassroots support for opposition parties. Merely having elections is insufficient. The elections should proceed freely, fairly, and without violence. Expert panelists will discuss what the international community should look for as elections move forward. Panelists will also examine the Venezuelan National Electoral Council’s (CNE) capacity to administer free and fair elections, prevent corruption, and remain independent from the influence of political forces.
Hosted by:
Chris Coons
U.S. Senator Co-Chair, SHRC |
Mark Kirk
U.S. Senator Co-Chair, SHRC |
James P. McGovern
Member of Congress Co-Chair, TLHRC |
Joseph R. Pitts
Member of Congress Co-Chair, TLHRC |
Participants
Panelists
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Miriam Kornblith, Senior Director, Latin America and the Caribbean, National Endowment for Democracy
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Jose Miguel Vivanco, Executive Director, Americas Division, Human Rights Watch
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Santiago A. Canton, Executive Director, RFK Partners for Human Rights, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights
Moderator
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Russ Dallen, Editor-in-Chief, Latin American Herald Tribune