US recognizes opposition candidate González as the winner of Venezuela’s presidential election
SUMMARY
The U.S. government recognized Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo González as the winner of the July 28th presidential election, rejecting the National Electoral Council's announcement that declared President Nicolás Maduro the victor. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that evidence shows González received the most votes. Opposition leaders, including María Corina Machado, claim they have tally sheets proving Maduro lost. The U.S. announcement follows diplomatic efforts from Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico to urge Maduro to release the voting data and allow an independent review. Despite calls for transparency, Venezuela's Supreme Court, which is closely aligned with Maduro, ordered an audit but remains under scrutiny for its impartiality. Tensions continue as opposition supporters protest, and international pressure mounts on Maduro's government.
