Socialist International refuses Comptroller's action to bar politicians

The Socialist International issued on Tuesday a press release to voice its 'concern about the decision made by administrative authorities of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, who, without issuing any conviction, deny more than 400 citizens the right to run as candidates in the next local elections to be held on November 23rd of this year.' 'Such a decision causes today widespread concern and uneasiness in the Venezuelan and international public opinion, seemingly contravening the right of the citizens of that country to run as candidates, and also their right to elect the candidate of their choice. Additionally, a large proportion of these barred people are members of the democratic opposition,' the text pointed out. The Socialist International made an appeal to observe the legitimate rights of the people disqualified in this way and urged to restore immediately all their political and civil rights.