OAN Staff Blake Wolf
11:15 AM – Friday, August 2, 2024
The recent Venezuelan presidential election has prompted an uproar of protests in the country, sparked by claims of an illegitimate win for current Socialist president Nicolás Maduro.
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“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 July 28 presidential election,” said U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken.
Meanwhile, opposition leader María Corina Machado maintains that candidate Edmundo González Urrutia was actually the one who won the election in a “landslide victory.” She called for nationwide protests to pressure Maduro into accepting defeat.
“Mr. Maduro did not win the Venezuelan presidential election on Sunday. He lost by a landslide to Edmundo González, 67% to 30%. I know this to be true because I can prove it. I have receipts obtained directly from more than 80% of the country’s polling stations,” Machado said.
Recent polls have shown widespread support for Urrutia, beating the incumbent president by double-digit margins.
“The CNE’s rapid declaration of Nicolás Maduro as the winner of the presidential election came with no support evidence,” said the State Department in a Thursday announcement. “In the days since the election, we have consulted widely with partners and allies around the world, and while countries have taken different approaches in responding, none have concluded that Nicolás Maduro received the most votes this election.”
President Maduro has denied all allegations of election fraud and claims that the challenger and its party have “incited a coup” by disputing the result.
After the election results were formally announced, protesters have been arrested for voicing their frustration and claiming the results weren’t accurate.
“I write this from hiding, fearing for my life, my freedom and that of my fellow countrymen under the dictatorship of Nicolás Maduro,” Machado wrote in a recent editorial.
Various presidents of countries in the region, including Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico have called on Venezuela to release all documents pertaining to the election results.
Additionally, newly-elected Argentinian President Javier Milei has also been invested in the Venezuelan election results, calling for more protests against the Maduro regime.
“Now is the time for the Venezuelan parties to begin discussions on a respectful, peaceful transition in accordance with Venezuelan electoral law and the wishes of the Venezuelan people,” Blinken concluded.
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