Colombia on Monday morning failed to recognize Nicolas Maduro’s victory in Venezuela’s hotly contested presidential election, which he won by less than a full percentage point.
The Colombian government confirmed with Colombia Reports that it has taken no stance on the election results. The opposition claims that Maduro bested his opponent, Henrique Capriles, through election fraud.
Cuba President Raul Castro, an ally of the Venezuelan government, was quick to congratulate late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez’s hand-picked successor.
Capriles on the other hand demanded a recount.
In the time between Chavez’s death and Sunday’s election, Maduro has served as acting president of Venezuela. He took the opportunity to express his support for the peace talks between the Colombian government and the FARC.
MORE: Venezuela’s acting president vows to do ‘everything and more’ to achieve peace in Colombia
When Venezuela reelected Chavez president in October, Colombia immediately congratuled the neighboring head of state.
Sources
- Raul Castro congratulates Maduro on victory in Venezuela (GlobalPost)
- Venezuela poll: Maduro opponent Capriles demands recount (BBC)
