PAULO VICTOR CHAGAS Agência Brasil/ 27 November 2015.- The Ministry of Foreign Relations (Itamaraty) issued a statement on Friday (Nov. 27) declaring that the Brazilian government condemns the murder of Luis Manuel Díaz, Venezuelan opposition leader, committed last Wednesday (Nov. 25). According to the Itamaraty, Venezuelan authorities are responsible for ensuring that the country’s electoral process will happen in a «clean and peaceful» environment.

«The Brazilian government hopes that the Venezuelan government will act to prevent any acts of violence or intimidation that may arise doubts over the credibility for the electoral process and the legitimacy of the vote results,» read the statement.

According to the note, the Brazilian government felt dismay when became aware of the death of Manuel Diaz, secretary-general of the Democratic Action party. Brazil expressed the hope for Venezuela to allow citizens to calmly perform their civic duty» and have «their sovereign will fully exercised».

On December 6th, more than 19 million Venezuelans will vote on the elections to renew 167 seats in parliament. «The Brazilian government joins forces with the statement issued by UNASUR’s electoral mission to the National Assembly, strongly opposing all kinds of violence that may affect the ordinary electoral routine, and demands for Venezuelan authorities to investigate the facts and punish those responsible for it,» read the statement.