Observing recall signatures in Venezuela.

• Author: Conaway, Janelle
• Position: OAS - Brief Article

THE OAS AND the Carter Center observed the two scheduled collections of recall signatures in Venezuela, November 21-24 and November 28-December 1.

"As international observers, we support the democratic process, and it is ultimately the will of the citizens of Venezuela that will decide the direction of their country," said former U.S. president Jimmy Carter. "They have voiced a clear commitment to a peaceful resolution, and we urge both the government and opposition to maintain calm and patience during this time."

Secretary General Cesar Gaviria reiterated that "this effort to collect signatures is all essential part of the agreement reached by representatives of the government and opposition last May to help resolve the political crisis in a peaceful, democratic, electoral, and constitutional manner."

Invited by the National Electoral Council (CNE) to serve as observers, the OAS and the Carter Center deployed more than forty experts in and...