The Russian Foreign Ministry statement said that such provocative actions could disrupt the situation in the country and undermine regional security.

It also adds that true democracy means the sovereignty of the people.

Thus, it is of the opinion that only the people of the country have the right to decide who leads the state, without outside interference.

The Russian diplomatic body stressed that the elections were held in ‘an organized and calm manner, without serious violations’.

The note adds that, according to information from Russian election observers, ‘transparency and fairness’ of the voting process was guaranteed.

In this context, Russia welcomes the successful expression of the popular will and reiterates its readiness to further strengthen bilateral relations with Venezuela in ‘the spirit of strategic cooperation’, as well as to coordinate closely on regional and international platforms.

Venezuela held presidential elections on Sunday, July 28.

The National Electoral Council announced the victory of the current president, Nicolas Maduro, with 51.2 percent of the votes, against 44.2 percent of the opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, with 80 percent of the ballots counted.

Maduro will begin his third six-year term on January 10, 2025.

Part of the Venezuelan opposition has already declared that it does not recognize the official count and proclaimed Gonzalez ‘president elect’, stating that he obtained 70 percent of the support.

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