U.S. says Maduro lost Venezuelan election, calls for talks, transition

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3. U.S. recognizes Venezuelan opposition leader as winner of contested election

WORLD

U.S. recognizes Venezuelan opposition leader as winner of contested election

AUGUST 1, 2024 • 9:37 PM ET
Carrie Kahn

CARACAS, Venezuela — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday that the opposition was the clear winner in Venezuela’s recent presidential election and not the current authoritarian leader.

Washington's backing comes as regional leaders are urging President Nicolas Maduro to show proof of his self-proclaimed victory.

Blinken says the evidence is overwhelming that opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia won Sunday’s race. He blasted Venezuela’s electoral council for conducting a deeply flawed election that clearly did not reflect the will of the voters.

Blinken said it was “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.”

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