The U.S. has created obstacles to free and fair elections in Venezuela in several ways. First, through the imposition of an illegal economic blockade estimated to have caused over 40,000 Venezuelan deaths and denounced by UN rapporteurs – which it threatens to continue if the will of the Venezuelan people is reflected in the inauguration of Nicolás Maduro. Second, through its implication in repeated assassination attempts against President Nicolás Maduro, who in the months leading up to Venezuela’s presidential election was leading in polls such as DataViva, CMIDE and IdeaDatos. Third, by funneling millions of dollars to civil society organizations – some of which are responsible for inciting violence against civilians following the elections. All attempts to destabilize Venezuela's democracy are violations of international law and basic standards of diplomacy and must cease immediately. (Learn more)