According to him, in less than 20 years, 25 elections were held in Venezuela. The latter, won by the opposition, took place in December 2015, when "absolutely no one doubted that the elections were valid."
“And why now they should cast doubt on the elections held on May 20 last year, where, gaining 67% of the vote, defeated Comrade President Nicolas Maduro in compliance with all the parameters used in evaluating such processes. Dozens of observers from various governmental and non-governmental organizations took part in international monitoring. Experts who know the organization of the election campaign well participated in this process, ”the diplomat said.
The ambassador considers it unfair to “give in to blackmail” of the West, to conduct a new vote and “to make the choice that suits them so that they feel comfortable”.
“We continue to lead the national political process, our revolutionary government is moving forward and leading. We are not going to submit to such blackmail, ”he noted.
Tortosa also stressed that "there is not the slightest reason" to count on Maduro’s resignation.
Earlier, the United States called on Maduro to transfer power to the head of the National Assembly, Juan Guaido.