WASHINGTON—House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) and Ranking Member Eliot L. Engel (D-NY) released the following statement on Sunday’s legislative elections in Venezuela:

“We congratulate all who voted in yesterday’s elections in Venezuela.  This is an important victory for democracy.  The people of Venezuela are demanding a government that will respect human rights, drive economic growth, and expand opportunities.

“While the Maduro government tried to stack the deck, yesterday’s vote took place peacefully, and we are encouraged President Maduro has acknowledged the results.  The international community understands that the 22 seats remaining undeclared are crucial to the ultimate outcome of the election. We urge the National Electoral Council and the Maduro government to ensure the votes for these remaining seats are counted accurately and transparently.

“As this process moves forward, democratic institutions must be respected.  And both the Maduro government and the opposition will have to work together in good faith.  The Maduro government can take the first step by releasing all remaining political prisoners, including opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez.”

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