The United States has recognized opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez as the winner of Venezuela’s disputed presidential election, rejecting President Nicolas Maduro’s victory claim, Reuters reports.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that evidence showed Gonzalez won the most votes in the July 28 election. Venezuela’s electoral council had proclaimed Maduro the winner with 51% of the vote, but the opposition’s tally indicated Gonzalez received more than double the support, which has led to protests in Venezuela
The US stopped short of threatening new sanctions but hinted at possible punitive actions and emphasized the need to protect opposition leaders. Additionally, the presidents of Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia have called for Venezuela to release detailed voting tallies.