The United States has recognized former opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia as the winner of the July 28 elections in Venezuela, despite the National Electoral Council (CNE) awarding victory to President Nicolás Maduro. The Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD), the largest opposition bloc, insists that Maduro was defeated at the polls and claims that González Urrutia, currently in exile in Spain, was elected by the people.
González Urrutia hopes to gain international recognition as president for the scheduled inauguration on January 10, while the Venezuelan government dismisses the legitimacy of his victory by labeling as false the "83.5% of the electoral records" that support his triumph. Despite the fraud accusations, the Supreme Court ratified Maduro's reelection, backed by state institutions, including support from the Armed Forces.
Opposition leader González Urrutia and the PUD face opposition from Venezuelan authorities, who view any attempt at political transition as a coup. Meanwhile, on the international stage, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. presidency, Kamala Harris, stated that she will not resort to military intervention in Venezuela but will maintain her commitment to defend the popular will and respect the electoral results in the South American country.
