The Venezuelan Episcopal Conference (CEV) requested this Friday the holding free and transparent elections in the country with a renewed National Electoral Council (CNE) and a Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ).
At the closing of the 126th Ordinary Plenary Assemblythe archbishop of Mérida, Monsignor Helizandro Teránread the document signed by the bishops, in which they point out that “the political climate is worsening, due to polarization, the lack of institutionality and the restriction of democratic guarantees.”
They highlighted the importance of having an impartial CNE and an independent TSJ to move towards an electoral process in Venezuela.
The bishops warned about the “generalized impoverishment of the population, human rights violations and the slowness of proceedings faced by political, civil and military prisoners” in the country.
They also expose the deterioration of the educational system as a consequence of extremely low salaries for teachers, as well as the lack of medical supplies in the public hospital network and the electricity service crisis.
They indicated that the income from oil production “they have not had an impact on the common good of the Venezuelan people.”
The representatives of the Church in Venezuela also demanded respect for the freedom of expression and the revival of the oil industry that allows for an increase in employment opportunities.
