WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today released the following statement:

“The Venezuelan people deserve far better than the sham presidential election that President Maduro and his puppets on the National Electoral Council are planning for April 22nd. The world is watching—particularly our friends throughout the Americas—and Mr. Maduro isn’t fooling anyone with his latest effort to remain in power. Presidential elections in Venezuela must take place expeditiously, but they must be free and fair. No one should be stopped from competing because their candidacies are seen as threats to the government. That’s not democracy. The Venezuelan people are yearning for change and deserve a level playing field as they determine the future direction of their country.”

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