Venezuela's electoral authorities have rescinded their invitation to the European Union delegation monitoring the country's upcoming presidential elections.
CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela's electoral authorities on Tuesday rescinded their invitation to a European Union delegation monitoring the country's upcoming presidential election.
Elvis Amoroso, president of the National Electoral Council, cited economic sanctions imposed by the European Union as the reason for the withdrawal of the invitation, which has yet to accept an invitation issued earlier this year.
Amoroso said Tuesday's decision was aimed at showing that “they are not welcome in our country” as long as the sanctions remain in place.
Earlier this year, the Election Commission set the presidential election for July 28 and issued invitations to various organisations to monitor the election.
President Nicolas Maduro is seeking another six years in office and last year reached a deal with the U.S.-backed opposition coalition known as the Unity Platform to improve conditions for free and fair elections, including allowing international observers to participate.
But since the deal was signed, Maduro's government has tested its limits, taking steps such as blocking the candidacy of the president's main rival.
