Brazil's Lula supports free elections in Venezuela

Former Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during a press conference as he campaigns for the national election, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, August 22, 2022. REUTERS/Carla Carniel

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva would like to see free elections in Venezuela and a democratic alternation of power like his country enjoys, the former President and current leftist presidential candidate said on Monday.

However, Lula added he did not agree with Western countries recognizing former National Assembly Speaker and opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate leader after the disputed re-election of President Nicolas Maduro in 2018.