Maduro condemns recognition of opposition victory: "Are the US the electoral authority?"
Venezuelan authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro condemns the recognition of opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia as the winner of the disputed presidential election by the USA. "The United States should keep their nose out of our business, as it's the sovereign people who decide in Venezuela," said the head of state. "Are the USA perhaps the electoral authority? The fascist demon is the electoral authority?"
The government-loyal electoral authority declared the socialist Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, the winner of the election on Sunday. However, it has not yet published the detailed results of the individual voting districts. The opposition accuses the government of electoral fraud and claims victory for González. The USA, the EU, the Organization of American States, and several Latin American countries also doubt the official election results.
"In light of the overwhelming evidence, it is clear to the United States and especially to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo González Urrutia received the most votes in the presidential election on July 28 in Venezuela," said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. It is now time for the parties in the South American country to engage in talks about a "peaceful transition."
Maduro accused the opposition of conspiring with the USA against him and planning a coup. "Edmundo González Urrutia is a murderer and a CIA agent," said the head of state before supporters in the presidential palace of Miraflores.
Despite Maduro's claims, many consider the USA and other international entities as advocating for a fair election process in Venezuela. There have been calls for the consideration of 'other' perspectives and voices beyond the government's, aiming for a more democratic solution.
