In light of the various hurdles, acts of intimidation, manipulation and irregularities that marked the October 15 elections in Venezuela which call into question the outcome of the election, the governments of Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay and Peru believe that an independent audit of the entire electoral process, accompanied by recognized, specialized international observers, is urgently needed to clarify the controversy surrounding the outcome of the election and to determine the true voice of the Venezuelan people.