Venezuelan Elections at a Time of Human Rights Concerns

Announcement

The Senate Human Rights Caucus
&
The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission

BRIEFING

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.

The briefing is co-hosted with the Senate Human Rights Caucus, in conjunction with Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights and the National Endowment for Democracy.

The Senate Human Rights Caucus

Senator Chris Coons                                            Senator Mark Kirk
Co-Chair, Senate Human Rights Caucus                   Co-Chair, Senate Human Rights Caucus
 

The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission
James P. McGovern                      Joseph R. Pitts
      Co-Chair, TLHRC                      Co-Chair, TLHRC