Lula Calls on Ally Maduro to Hold Fair Elections in Venezuela
- No explanation for candidate’s exclusion, Brazil leader says
- France’s Macron says Lula can help fix democratic crisis
Nicolas Maduro and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Photographer: Gustavo Moreno/APThis article is for subscribers only.
Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called on the Venezuelan government of Nicolas Maduro to hold a fair presidential election in July, saying there was no explanation for the exclusion of an opposition candidate who was unable to register for the race this week.
“It is serious that the candidate could not be registered,” Lula said Thursday during a press conference alongside France President Emmanuel Macron in Brasilia. “I want the elections to be held just like we do in Brazil: with everyone’s participation. Anyone who wants to participate, participates. Whoever loses, cries. Whoever wins, laughs. And so democracy continues.”