Chilean President Rejects Maduro's Contested Election Victory

Chilean President Gabriel Boric rejects Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's claim of victory in the contentious July 28 election, citing potential fraud and human rights violations. Boric, along with other Latin American leaders, calls for the release of detailed vote tallies, emphasizing the necessity for verification by independent international bodies.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric announced on Wednesday that he does not recognize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's alleged victory in the country's highly contested election last month.

Boric's stance, which questions the legitimacy of the July 28 election results, aligns with the positions of other Latin American leaders, such as those from Guatemala, Argentina, and Peru. In contrast, nations like Brazil and Mexico are pressing for Maduro's administration to release comprehensive vote counts, a transparency step that has not yet been taken.

"I have no doubt that Maduro's government has attempted to commit fraud in Venezuela's election," Boric stated, adding that credible results would have been promptly disclosed. Boric affirmed he would only acknowledge outcomes verified by independent international organizations and did not explicitly back opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez's victory claims.

Furthermore, the Chilean president condemned Maduro's administration for "serious human rights violations," including repressing protests and targeting opposition leaders.

(With inputs from agencies.)