US Government Recognizes Venezuelan Opposition Victory Amid Electoral Controversy

The US government has recognized Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo González as the winner of the recent presidential election, despite official results declaring Nicolás Maduro the victor. This announcement comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts and calls for an independent review of the election results, with officials from Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico urging transparency.

The US government has officially recognized Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo González as the legitimate winner of the recent presidential election, challenging the electoral authorities' declaration of President Nicolás Maduro as the victor.

"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," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Thursday.

Despite the National Electoral Council declaring Maduro the winner, González and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado asserted that they acquired more than two-thirds of the tally sheets, which demonstrate their victory. They call for the release of the tally data to substantiate their claim.

The US announcement comes amid efforts from Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico to persuade Maduro's administration to disclose the election results and allow for an impartial review. Brazilian and Mexican officials have confirmed ongoing diplomatic communications urging transparency as the only way to eliminate doubts surrounding the election outcome.

(With inputs from agencies.)