Today is a sad day for democracy in Venezuela.

Faced with repression, political persecution, and direct threats to his safety and freedom, after being given hospitality at the residence of the Netherlands in Caracas until September 5th, political leader and presidential candidate Edmundo González has had to request political asylum and accept the protection offered by Spain.

Edmundo González appears to be the winner of the presidential elections, by a large majority, according to publicly available copies of the electoral records (actas).

In a democracy, no political leader should be forced to seek asylum in another country. 

The EU insists that the Venezuelan authorities end repression, arbitrary arrests and harassment against members of the opposition and civil society, as well as release all political prisoners.

The EU will continue to support the Venezuelan people in their democratic aspirations.