U.S. Recognizes Opposition Candidate Edmundo González as Winner of Venezuelan Election
On Thursday night, the United States officially acknowledged Edmundo González, the opposition presidential candidate, as the victor of Venezuela’s contentious presidential election. This declaration, made by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, comes despite claims from the authoritarian president, Nicolás Maduro, and the government-controlled electoral body, asserting that Mr. Maduro emerged victorious.
To date, Mr. Maduro has failed to present any credible evidence supporting his claim of election success, and the electoral officials have not provided a transparent vote count. Conversely, Mr. González’s campaign asserts that it possesses receipts from over 80 percent of the voting machines, demonstrating that he won the election by a substantial margin.
While several international leaders have expressed their support for Mr. González in recent days, the United States stands as the most significant nation to formally recognize him as the legitimate winner of the election held on Sunday. This decision is likely to provoke the ire of Mr. Maduro, who has consistently portrayed Washington as an imperialist entity meddling in Venezuela’s affairs. However, it remains uncertain whether this acknowledgment will influence Mr. Maduro’s hold on power.
In his statement, Mr. Blinken remarked, “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.” He further added, “We congratulate Edmundo González Urrutia on his successful campaign. Now is the time for Venezuelan parties to initiate discussions on a respectful, peaceful transition in accordance with Venezuelan electoral law.”
Mr. González’s candidacy, bolstered by the popular opposition figure, María Corina Machado, posed the most significant electoral challenge to Mr. Maduro’s authority since he assumed office in 2013. The political movement led by Mr. Maduro, known as Chavismo, has maintained a tight grip on Venezuela for the past 25 years, starting from the election of President Hugo Chávez. Under their governance, the regime has increasingly resorted to authoritarian tactics, arresting dissenters, violently suppressing protests, and orchestrating elections that favor the ruling party.
In recent days, frustrated supporters of Mr. González have taken to the streets to voice their discontent, prompting a harsh crackdown by security forces and armed pro-government groups. Reports from the human rights organization Foro Penal indicate that at least 17 individuals have lost their lives amid the unrest, with additional information gathered from interviews conducted at a local morgue by The New York Times. Furthermore, approximately 750 individuals have been detained, according to statements from the country’s attorney general.
