DENVER - Colorado Governor Jared Polis released a statement on the election taking place in Venezuela. 

“I believe in the right to a free and fair election, and condemn the socialist dictator Maduro for depriving Venezuelans of their rights and their dignity, and stifling freedom. I stand in solidarity with Venezuelans across the world and urge the international community and America’s allies to continue to put pressure on Venezuela’s government as the election results clearly show irregularities. Exit polls in Venezuela showed an overwhelming support for the candidate Edmundo Gonzales, with 65% of the votes, whereas Nicolas Maduro only received 31%. It is clear that the initial results given by the National Election Council do not reflect a complete and accurate count. The people of Venezuela have spoken, and yet, the sitting government will not respect the will of the people who want change and to move their country in the right direction - toward freedom of speech, safety, and progress. This should serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting leaders in our own country, and leaders across the world that support democratic electoral processes and recognize election results without casting shadows or planting seeds of doubt to manipulate the results.”