U.S. Recognizes Edmundo González as Venezuela's President-Elect After Disputed July Election

Nov 19, 2024, 10:53 PM

The United States government has formally recognized Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia as the "president-elect" of Venezuela, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy toward the South American nation. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the recognition on Tuesday at the G20 summit in Brazil, stating, "The Venezuelan people spoke resoundingly on July 28 and made Edmundo González Urrutia the president-elect. Democracy demands respect for the will of the voters." This move represents the strongest acknowledgment yet by the Biden administration that the opposition candidate won the disputed July 28 presidential election, which President Nicolás Maduro claimed to have won amid accusations of fraud. The U.S. government had previously avoided using the term "president-elect" to prevent diplomatic complications, but the decision signals increased pressure on Maduro's government. In response, Maduro's government rejected the U.S. announcement, calling it "ridiculous" and denouncing interference in Venezuela's internal affairs.