US Backs Edmundo Gonzalez as Venezuela’s President-Elect

 

The United States has officially recognized Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez as the country’s president-elect, marking a pivotal shift in its stance on Venezuela’s political future. This announcement comes after the highly contested presidential election held on July 28, where allegations of electoral fraud overshadowed the results.

“The Venezuelan people spoke decisively on July 28, electing Edmundo Gonzalez as their president-elect. Respect for the voters’ will is the cornerstone of democracy,” stated U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in an announcement made during the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro. The declaration underscores international concerns about the legitimacy of the electoral process under President Nicolas Maduro.

Previously, the U.S. had refrained from officially recognizing Gonzalez as president-elect despite widespread international support and evidence suggesting he garnered the majority of votes. However, Tuesday’s statement signals growing support for Venezuela’s opposition and a call for democratic change in the country.

A State Department spokesperson emphasized the global consensus regarding the election results: “It is evident to the United States, democratic nations, and international observers that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia won the most votes on July 28. The Venezuelan people’s overwhelming desire for change is undeniable, as reflected in publicly available voting tallies.”

In response, Gonzalez expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “This acknowledgment by the United States honors the sovereign will of the Venezuelan people and our shared commitment to democracy. We deeply appreciate this gesture.”

Meanwhile, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil dismissed Blinken’s statement as baseless, accusing the U.S. of interfering in Venezuela’s internal affairs. Maduro’s government has repeatedly rejected claims of electoral misconduct, labeling opposition-led evidence as fraudulent.

The July election results have been mired in controversy. While Venezuela’s electoral commission declared Maduro the winner, the opposition published vote tally receipts alleging Gonzalez secured over 70% of the vote. Independent observers from the Carter Center and the United Nations reviewed the opposition’s data and deemed it credible.

Despite this international backing, Maduro continues to hold power in Caracas, with his administration dismissing opposition claims as propaganda. Gonzalez, who fled to Spain in September citing safety concerns, has vowed to return to Venezuela in the coming weeks for the presidential inauguration scheduled for January 10.

The situation highlights the deep political divide in Venezuela and the growing global attention on its democratic process. As January approaches, the world will be closely watching to see how this political standoff unfolds.