Venezuela considers law to restrict foreign commentary on elections

The proposed legislation seeks to limit the role of foreign observers and critics in Venezuela’s electoral process.

The bill includes provisions to tighten regulations on non-governmental organizations (NGOs), increase government oversight of social media, and potentially ban foreign election observation missions.

National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, a key ally of President Nicolás Maduro, has criticised NGOs as "facades for financing terrorist actions" and suggested that future international monitors could be barred.

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This proposal follows a controversial July 28 election where Maduro was declared the victor for a third term. The election results have faced widespread criticism, with both domestic and international voices challenging the official outcome. The opposition has claimed that their own results show a different winner.

Maduro insists social media is being used to attack him and to promote "hate," "fascism" and "division." In the previous week, Maduro banned the social media platform X for 10 days after its CEO, Elon Musk, alleged election fraud, and has called for a boycott of WhatsApp.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk has expressed concern that the new law could further suppress democratic and civic freedoms in Venezuela. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has also warned that the bill could restrict freedom of association and expression, AFP reported.

As the National Assembly continues to review the bill, critics worry that it will further erode Venezuela’s democratic institutions and limit international oversight of the country’s elections.