(Patriot.Buzz) – Taking a final stance on the crisis, the U.S. Secretary of State has declared that there is “overwhelming evidence” indicating Venezuela’s opposition victory in the recent presidential race.
Antony Blinken stated that it was evident Edmundo González received the most votes, countering Nicolás Maduro’s claim of a 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 announced.
Blinken’s statement aligns with calls from the leaders of Brazil, Mexico and Colombia, urging Venezuela to disclose complete election details.
This comes after Venezuela’s government-run electoral council sparked unrest by announcing last Sunday that Maduro secured a third term.
The opposition refuted this declaration and provided evidence from the majority of electronic voting receipts nationwide.
They proved Maduro’s claim to be incorrect and asserted their data showed a significant victory for González.
Opinion polls before the election had already suggested a likely win for the challenger. Maduro, who has consistently accused foreign entities of meddling in Venezuela’s elections, denied any fraud and claimed the opposition was attempting a coup by disputing the results.
The announcement of Maduro’s victory triggered violent protests in Caracas and drew sharp international criticism, with several global governments demanding that Venezuela provide evidence of the election outcome.
While countries like China, Russia and Iran have recognized the election result, the U.S., the European Union and other G7 nations have urged Maduro’s government to release comprehensive voting data.
Blinken also went on to social media to reiterate: “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’s comments mark a significant stance, similar to actions taken after the 2018 election, which was widely criticized as neither free nor fair.
Currently in hiding, opposition leader María Corina Machado has called for large demonstrations tomorrow.
In a Wall Street Journal interview, Machado contested Maduro’s victory and argued that her party’s candidate won decisively.
She supported her claim with receipts from over 80% of polling stations. Additionally, Machado has urged the international community to respond to what she describes as an illegitimate government.
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