The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has asserted there is “overwhelming evidence” that Venezuela’s opposition candidate, Edmundo González, won the recent presidential election. Despite incumbent president Nicolás Maduro’s claim of victory, Blinken emphasised the clarity of González’s win.
“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 in Venezuela’s 28 July presidential election,” Blinken stated.
This announcement comes as the presidents of Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia urged Venezuela to disclose the full election details. The government-controlled electoral council had declared Maduro the winner, sparking immediate opposition disputes. The opposition, with access to most electronic voting machine receipts, contended that its own vote tally showed a decisive victory for González, corroborated by pre-election opinion polls.
Maduro has dismissed allegations of electoral fraud and accused foreign governments of interference. He claimed the opposition was attempting a coup by disputing the results. The announcement of Maduro’s victory led to deadly protests in Caracas and drew widespread global criticism. Many governments, including the US, the European Union, and other G7 countries, demanded the release of detailed voting data.
In contrast, Venezuelan allies such as China, Russia, and Iran have recognised Maduro’s victory. However, Blinken’s statement reinforced the stance of the US and its allies. “Electoral data overwhelmingly demonstrate the will of the Venezuelan people: democratic opposition candidate Edmundo González won the most votes in Sunday’s election. Venezuelans have voted, and their votes must count,” Blinken posted on social media.
This intervention by Blinken is notable given the aftermath of the 2018 election, which was widely dismissed as neither free nor fair. Following that election, countries including the US recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president and imposed sanctions on Venezuela.
Blinken urged for a respectful, peaceful transition in accordance with Venezuelan electoral law and the people’s wishes. Opposition leader María Corina Machado, currently in hiding, has called for mass demonstrations. She maintains that Maduro did not win and claims to have proof of González’s victory from receipts at over 80% of polling stations. Machado has appealed for international intervention, asserting that it is now up to the global community to address what she deems an illegitimate government.
Melissa Enoch
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