US declares Maduro opponents the winner of Venezuela's election
Dictator Nicolás Maduro declares himself winner after chaotic election in Venezuela. Detailed numbers are still not available, leading several countries to question the official result. The US goes a step further.
The US has recognized opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia as the winner of the disputed presidential election in Venezuela and increased pressure on the authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro. "In light of the overwhelming evidence, it is clear to the United States and, more importantly, 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 discussions about a "peaceful transition."
After the election on Sunday, the government-controlled electoral board declared the socialist Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, the winner. However, it has not yet published the results of the individual voting districts.
The opposition accuses the government of election fraud and claims victory for González. As evidence, it has published data that it says represents the results from more than 80 percent of the voting districts. According to these data, González received 67 percent of the votes, and Maduro only 30 percent.
G7 foreign ministers demand detailed results
The G7 foreign ministers and several Latin American countries called on the electoral authority to publish the detailed results. The independent US organization Carter Center, which sent election observers to Venezuela, described the vote as undemocratic. Maduro requested an investigation of the election by the Supreme Court, which is considered pro-government. After protests, Maduro said that 1,200 "criminals" had been arrested so far, and another 1,000 were being sought. He said that González and opposition leader María Corina Machado should be imprisoned. According to independent organizations, at least 11 people have died.
Maduro's re-election in 2018 was not recognized by many countries. The then parliamentary president Juan Guaidó declared himself interim president. The US, Germany, and other countries recognized him, but he could not gain a foothold in the country, especially because the military stood behind Maduro.
The international community continues to question the legitimacy of The President of the Republic, Nicolás Maduro's, claim to victory, with numerous countries, including the US, recognizing opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia as the rightful winner. The G7 foreign ministers have also demanded the publication of detailed election results from the electoral authority.
