US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a significant statement on Thursday regarding the recent Venezuelan presidential election. Blinken asserted that the opposition candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, not the incumbent socialist leader Nicolás Maduro, emerged victorious in the election held on July 28.
Blinken emphasized that based on compelling evidence, it is evident to the United States and, more importantly, to the Venezuelan people that González Urrutia secured the majority of votes in the election. This declaration comes amidst widespread protests sparked by Maduro's claim of victory and subsequent threats against the opposition.
The validity of Maduro's victory has been questioned by numerous regional governments, including Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. These governments have urged Maduro to provide transparency by revealing the vote tally sheets and allowing impartial verification to dispel any doubts surrounding the election results.
Despite Maduro's request for an audit of the election by Venezuela's highest court, foreign observers have criticized the move, citing concerns about the court's independence from the government. Polls conducted over the summer consistently indicated a significant lead for opposition candidate González Urrutia.
The National Electoral Council, controlled by Maduro loyalists, announced Maduro as the winner with 51% of the vote, a declaration met with skepticism given the opposition's publication of tally sheets showing González Urrutia's substantial lead.
In response to the election outcome, protests have erupted in Venezuela, with authorities cracking down on demonstrators. Blinken called for the protection of opposition leaders, the release of detained protesters, and a peaceful transition of power in accordance with Venezuelan electoral law and the will of the people.
As the situation unfolds, international partners and allies have not recognized Maduro's victory, underscoring the need for a transparent and democratic resolution to the electoral dispute in Venezuela.
