In a bold assertion, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that there is “overwhelming evidence” indicating that Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo González won the recent presidential election. Despite incumbent President Nicolás Maduro’s claims of victory, Blinken’s statement underscores a significant international challenge to the results announced by Venezuela’s government-controlled electoral council.
International Pressure Mounts
The announcement of President Maduro’s victory for a third term was met with immediate disputes from the opposition, who claimed that their own vote tally, based on receipts from electronic voting machines, showed a clear victory for González. The opposition’s stance is bolstered by opinion polls conducted prior to the election, which predicted a strong showing for González.
The situation has sparked global concern, with Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia urging Venezuela to release comprehensive election details. The US, European Union, and other G7 countries have also demanded transparency, calling on the Venezuelan government to provide proof of the election results. Meanwhile, Venezuelan allies China, Russia, and Iran have recognized Maduro’s victory.
Calls for Peaceful Transition Amid Protests
The controversy surrounding the election has led to deadly protests in Caracas. Blinken’s intervention is particularly notable given the international community’s skepticism about the fairness of the 2018 election, which led to the recognition of opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president and subsequent sanctions on Venezuela.
Blinken emphasized the need for a peaceful and respectful transition in line with Venezuelan electoral law and the will of the people. Opposition leader María Corina Machado, who claims to be in hiding, has called for mass demonstrations on Saturday. She asserts that González won by a landslide and has receipts from over 80% of polling stations to support her claim.
Machado has appealed to the international community to act against what she describes as an illegitimate government, pressing for decisive action to address the ongoing electoral crisis in Venezuela.