According to the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. There is ‘undeniable evidence’ that the recent presidential election in Venezuela was won by Edmundo González. An opposition candidate. Against Nicolás Maduro’s contested claim of being re-elected. Blinken held that it was clear to all Americans and Venezuelans alike that this man had acquired more votes than anyone else on 28th July.
International Reactions and Calls for Transparency Blinken
Brazil’s, Mexico’s and Colombia’s presidents have however requested Venezuela to release details regarding the entire exercise. The government-controlled electoral council declared Maduro the winner of his third term. The opposition quickly challenged this result, citing machine receipts from electronic voting that indicated a significant win for their candidate.
Polls before the elections also showed a clear victory for González.
Allegations of Electoral Fraud and Protests Blinken
Maduro has denied allegations that he rigged elections describing them as foreign interference. He said his opponents were trying to instigate a coup d’état. The declaration of victory by Maduro sparked bloody protests in Caracas prompting global condemnation with several countries demanding hard proof of its claims concerning the conduct. China, Russia and Iran – being friends with Venezuela – recognized Maduro’s win while US, EU and G7 demanded detailed voting records.
Blinken’s Statement and Historical Context
Blinken stressed about respecting the democratic will of people in Venezuela above all else. His statement underscores how important it is for other nations to support electoral integrity within Venezuela since after an election widely dismissed in 2018; opposition leader Juan Guaido became interim president with sanctions imposed against his nation by America among others. According to Blinken, Venezuelan parties should explore peaceful ways out based on electoral rules and people’s desires.
Opposition Leader’s Appeal for International Support
Opposition leader María Corina Machado who is currently hiding has called for demonstrations en masse. She alleged her party’s candidate won by a landslide showing 80% poll receipts. Machado asked the world to rise against what she called a phony regime, saying there was need of immediate intervention if democracy was to prevail in Venezuela.
