Blinken claims 'overwhelming evidence' opposition won Venezuela vote

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
2 Aug 2024 09:01

Blinken's claim comes after the opposition, led by Maria Corina Machado, released comprehensive count sheets, which indicated Gonzalez Urrutia won "by an insurmountable margin."

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Singapore on July 31, 2024 (AP)

Top US diplomat and Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared on Thursday that there was "overwhelming evidence" that Venezuela's presidential election was won by opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia.

In his statement, Blinken said, "Given the overwhelming evidence, it is clear to the United States and, most importantly, to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuela's July 28 presidential election."

This comes after Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico called for Caracas to release detailed voting data, alongside the US and the EU.

"The announcement of results by the Maduro-controlled National Electoral Council (CNE) were deeply flawed, yielding an announced outcome that does not represent the will of the Venezuelan people," Blinken continued.

He added, "The CNE's failure to provide the precinct-level official results, as well as irregularities throughout the process, have stripped the CNE's announced outcome of any credibility."

Maduro announced on Wednesday that the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) is prepared to provide 100% of its vote records after Sunday's presidential election.

Maduro was elected to a third term on July 28, sparking riots supported by Western nations.

Venezuelan law enforcement has detained at least 1,200 "criminals" involved in the nationwide riots and violence triggered by Maduro's win.

Maduro asserted in a press briefing on Tuesday that the far-right "did everything possible to implement a violent scenario by sabotaging public services such as electricity and causing the suspension of the elections," emphasizing that "this plan was known before, during, and after July 28."

The opposition, led by Maria Corina Machado, released comprehensive count sheets, according to Blinken, which indicated Gonzalez Urrutia had won "by an insurmountable margin."

Machado said that she was in hiding and "fearing for my life" after Maduro threatened to arrest her and Gonzalez Urrutia in an opinion piece that was published on Thursday in The Wall Street Journal.

According to Blinken, Maduro's moves "are an undemocratic attempt to repress political participation and retain power. The safety and security of the democratic opposition leaders and members must be protected," as he called for detained protesters to be released.

"Now is the time for the Venezuelan parties to begin discussions on a respectful, peaceful transition in accordance with Venezuelan electoral law and the wishes of the Venezuelan people," Blinken concluded.

This plays out as a déjà vu of what the US did during the last elections in Venezuela.

Venezuela was thrown into a political crisis in January 2019 when Juan Guaido, the former head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, backed by the US, declared himself interim president in an attempt to depose Maduro.

The US still acknowledged Guaido's government and called Maduro "illegitimate".