Venezuelan former opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia has called for fresh presidential elections in the country. The appeal comes about five months after former President Nicolas Maduro was captured by US forces.
Gonzalez, a 76-year-old former diplomat recognized by some countries as the winner of the 2024 Venezuelan presidential vote, stated on Saturday that Venezuela should hold new elections and threw his support behind Nobel Peace Prize winner and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
In a video message posted on social media, Gonzalez voiced solidarity with Machado, who is also advocating for new elections. "A few days ago in Panama, Maria Corina Machado and Venezuela's democratic forces came together with a single goal: Venezuela's freedom. We stand together, united on the same roadmap towards the same destiny," he said.
Gonzalez emphasized that the election process should have "independent referees," political pluralism, and both national and international observers. He stated it is time "to build the conditions for holding presidential elections that serve as citizens instruments for change."
Machado hailed Gonzalez as "an example of service and dedication to the homeland." "The free and prosperous Venezuela that is already being reborn, my dear Edmundo, has your name imprinted on its heart," she wrote on social media platform X.
Maduro has since been replaced by Acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who has appeared more willing to acquiesce to Washington's demands, such as improved US access to Venezuela's vast oil supply. US President Donald Trump has allegedly been delighted by Rodriguez's cooperation and has not taken further action to supplant her leadership.
Gonzalez, who resides in Spain, faced off against Maduro in the 2024 presidential elections. Machado had been barred from participating in the 2024 race. Maduro's administration reportedly issued an arrest warrant for Gonzalez on charges of criminal association and conspiracy over the disputed election. Machado is also deemed a fugitive by the Venezuelan government.
Although official results showed Maduro won the 2024 race, outside election observers and watchdogs such as the Carter Center and Freedom House found the results lacking credibility and the electoral processes marred by irregularities. Some countries, such as the United States, had recognized Gonzalez as the winner of the 2024 race.
Source: www.dw.com