BTN News: The U.S. government has expressed strong disapproval of the Venezuelan Supreme Court’s recent decision to ratify Nicolás Maduro’s victory in the controversial presidential elections held on July 28. In a firm statement released by the Department of State, U.S. officials cast serious doubts on the legitimacy of the ruling, citing substantial evidence suggesting that opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia was the actual winner of the election.
According to the statement, the U.S. believes the Venezuelan electoral process was marred by significant irregularities, with independently verified public records indicating that the majority of Venezuelans cast their votes in favor of González. The Department of State emphasized the importance of respecting the will of the people, urging all Venezuelan parties to engage in discussions about a peaceful and lawful transition that honors the electoral choices of the population.
The Venezuelan Supreme Court’s decision to affirm Maduro’s victory, despite widespread skepticism, has further intensified the political crisis in the country. This ruling, delivered 22 days after Maduro himself requested a review through a previously undisclosed legal petition, has been met with international condemnation. The court, known for being heavily influenced by Maduro’s allies, concluded its review by unequivocally upholding the election results, a move that has been widely criticized as lacking credibility.
The U.S. government has warned that any continued attempts by Maduro to claim victory through what it views as fraudulent means will only deepen the existing crisis in Venezuela. Additionally, the U.S. has called on Maduro to release those who have been detained for exercising their right to free expression, signaling that it remains committed to supporting the Venezuelan people in their fight for democratic norms.
In conclusion, the U.S. and the broader international community have made it clear that they stand with the Venezuelan electorate, whose rights and choices they believe have been systematically undermined since the July 28 elections. The U.S. expressed its willingness to support an inclusive, Venezuelan-led process aimed at restoring democracy in the country, highlighting the ongoing need for transparency, respect for the rule of law, and genuine dialogue among all stakeholders in Venezuela.