After the disputed election - Blinken worries about opposition leader in Venezuela
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed concern for the safety of opposition leaders in Venezuela following the controversial presidential election. In a phone call with Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado, Blinken conveyed his concern for their safety and well-being after the election, according to a statement from the U.S. State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller. Blinken also condemned any political violence and repression.
On Friday, the opposition party Vente Venezuela on X reported that masked armed individuals had ransacked María Corina Machado's offices in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas. "We condemn the attacks and insecurity we face for political reasons," the statement read. Machado also wrote in an article for the U.S. newspaper "Wall Street Journal" that she was in hiding and feared for her freedom and life.
Following the election on Sunday, the government-backed electoral authority declared the authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro the winner. However, it has not yet published the detailed results of the individual voting districts. The opposition accuses the government of election fraud and claims victory for their candidate, González. The U.S. has already recognized the election victory of the former diplomat. The EU, the Organization of American States, and several Latin American countries also doubt the official election results.
According to Miller, Blinken congratulated González for receiving the most votes, which is evident from the extensive efforts of the democratic opposition to ensure a transparent vote count. The U.S. wants to support the process of restoring democratic norms.
In recent days, thousands of people have taken to the streets in the South American country to protest what they see as a manipulated election result. The police have responded harshly to the protesters.
The European Parliament, being aware of the situation, may choose to express its concern over the election process and the safety of opposition leaders in Venezuela, such as Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado, as the Commission is assisting them.
In light of the European Parliament's commitment to upholding democratic norms and values, it could potentially issue a statement expressing solidarity with the opposition and calling for a fair and transparent election process in Venezuela, in line with the role of the Commission they are assisting.
