U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday congratulated the people of Venezuela on commemorating their independence and called for “free and fair elections” that allow the South American country to continue moving forward. towards a “future democracy”, a demand that Caracas considered “insolence”.

“Despite significant challenges, the people and coalition of democratic actors in Venezuela continue their tireless efforts to realize their dream of an independent and democratic future,” Blinken said. in a statement, according to the Europa Press news agency.

In the same text, he proposes the United States as a “committed ally” to move forward in this direction and contribute to the preparation of the presidential elections scheduled for 2024.

Blinken alluded to the primary process organized by the main opposition parties to try to find a common candidate against the current president, Nicolás Maduro.

In recent days, one of the main contenders, Former deputy María Corina Machado, was disqualified and separated for 15 years by order of the Comptrollerclose to chavismo.

The United States and other countries have come out against a measure that they consider arbitrary and that would not promote a climate of understanding between the parties.

The Canadian government, through its embassy, ​​has stressed that “the Venezuelan people deserve a return to democracy.

“Canada expresses its concern over the disqualification of María Corina Machado and other presidential candidates and urges Venezuelan authorities to take immediate action to ensure free and fair elections,” the Canadian Embassy tweeted.

and the executive of Chile, through its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alberto Van Klaveren, maintained that “the problems of democracy are solved with more democracy” and called for “free and fair” processes, which implies putting aside the “restrictions” and “exclusions” of candidates.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez on Wednesday hit back at the US claim, which she called “insolence”, and noted that the people of her country “also want fair elections free of sanctions, ‘interference and aggression’.

“Great day to respond to those who insolently seek to express an opinion on issues that only concern Venezuelans. Our people also want fair elections free of sanctions, interference and aggression! Long live the Venezuela’s perpetual independence!” the vice president wrote. President on her Twitter account.

Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso added to complaints about the disqualification of Machado, who deemed the decision by electoral authorities “unacceptable”.

“This is unacceptable in terms of justice and democracy. Venezuelans have the right to choose their voters from political diversity and not from those empowered by Nicolas Maduro’s regime,” Lasso posted on the Twitter network.

And he called on Latin America to “insist on respect for institutions, rights and freedoms to protect democracies”, because “only in this way is it possible to improve the lives of citizens” .