ReutersThe US Secretary of State says there’s “overwhelming proof” that Venezuela’s opposition received the latest presidential election.
Antony Blinken mentioned in an announcement that it was clear that Edmundo Gonzalez received essentially the most votes – regardless of a controversial victory claimed by present President Nicolas Maduro.
“Given the overwhelming proof, it’s clear to america and, most significantly, to the Venezuelan folks that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia received essentially the most votes in Venezuela’s July 28 presidential election,” Blinken mentioned. .
His intervention got here because the presidents of Brazil, Mexico and Colombia all known as on Venezuela to launch full particulars of final Sunday’s election.
On Sunday, the government-controlled electoral fee declared President Maduro the winner of the election to start his third time period.
However that declare was instantly disputed by the opposition, who mentioned it was false given nearly all of receipts from digital voting machines throughout the nation.
The opposition mentioned their very own vote rely confirmed they received the election by a large margin. Pre-election polls confirmed a transparent victory for the challenger.
President Maduro has beforehand accused international governments of interfering within the election.
He has strongly denied electoral fraud and mentioned opposition teams questioning the outcomes had been fomenting a coup.
The announcement of President Maduro’s victory sparked lethal protests in Caracas.
It additionally sparked international criticism, with governments around the globe demanding that the Venezuelan authorities launch proof of the outcomes.
U.S. Environmental Safety CompanyThe outcomes had been acknowledged by Venezuela’s allies China, Russia and Iran.
However america, the European Union and different G7 nations have known as on President Maduro’s authorities to launch detailed voting knowledge.
Blinken posted on social media: “The election knowledge overwhelmingly displays the desire of the Venezuelan individuals: Democratic opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez received essentially the most votes in Sunday’s election.
“Venezuelans have voted and their votes should rely.”
Mr. Blinken’s intervention is important. again The final election in 2018 was broadly considered as neither free nor honestAfterwards, america and different nations determined to acknowledge the then opposition chief Juan Guaido because the interim president and imposed sanctions on Venezuela.
Blinken mentioned it was “time for all events in Venezuela to begin discussing a respectful, peaceable transition in accordance with Venezuela’s electoral legal guidelines and the desires of the Venezuelan individuals.”
