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S ecretary of State Antony J. Blinken has publicly contested Venezuela's official election results, asserting that opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia was the legitimate winner of the July 28 presidential election.
Blinken criticized the National Electoral Council's announcement of President Nicolás Maduro's victory as "deeply flawed" and lacking in credibility. He referenced tally sheets published by the opposition from over 80% of polling stations, which show González winning by a decisive margin, a result supported by independent observers and exit polls.
In his statement, Blinken commended the 12 million Venezuelans who cast their votes despite facing significant challenges. He also condemned Maduro's accusations against opposition leaders and called for the immediate release of individuals detained for their peaceful participation in the election process. Blinken emphasized the need for a peaceful transition of power in Venezuela.
The U.S. Department of State provided this statement as part of its ongoing response to the electoral situation in Venezuela.
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