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The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said there is an “overwhelming evidence” that Venezuela’s opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez won the recent presidential election.
Blinken, on Friday, said that an “overwhelming evidence” showed González, won the recent presidential election despite incumbent president Nicolás Maduro’s claim of victory.
He said, “Given the overwhelming evidence, it is clear to the United States and, most importantly, to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo González Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuela’s 28 July presidential election."
This announcement comes as the presidents of Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia urged Venezuela to disclose the full election details.
The government-controlled electoral council had declared Maduro the winner, sparking immediate opposition disputes.
The opposition, with access to most electronic voting machine receipts, contended that its own vote tally showed a decisive victory for González, corroborated by pre-election opinion polls.
Maduro has dismissed allegations of electoral fraud and accused foreign governments of interference.
He asserted that the opposition was attempting a coup by disputing the results.
The announcement of Maduro’s victory led to deadly protests in Caracas and drew widespread global criticism.
Many governments, including the US, the European Union, and other G7 countries, demanded the release of detailed voting data.
In contrast, Venezuelan allies such as China, Russia, and Iran have recognised Maduro’s victory.
However, Blinken’s statement reinforced the stance of the US and its allies.
“Electoral data overwhelmingly demonstrate the will of the Venezuelan people: democratic opposition candidate Edmundo González won the most votes in Sunday’s election. Venezuelans have voted, and their votes must count,” Blinken posted on social media."
He urged for a respectful, peaceful transition in accordance with Venezuelan electoral law and the people’s wishes.
Opposition leader María Corina Machado, currently in hiding, has called for mass demonstrations.
She maintained that Maduro did not win and claimed to have proof of González’s victory from receipts at over 80% of polling stations.
Machado has appealed for international intervention, asserting that it is now up to the global community to address what she deems an illegitimate government.
