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The United States has expressed serious reservations about the veracity of the Venezuelan election results, which declared President Nicolás Maduro the victor of a third term. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced these concerns during a visit to Japan, stating that the announced outcome does not accurately reflect the will or votes of the Venezuelan people. This statement comes on the heels of the Venezuelan National Electoral Council's announcement that Maduro secured re-election with a 51.2% share of the votes cast.
The election results have been met with skepticism from various quarters, with independent polls predicting a different outcome. These polls had suggested that Sunday's vote might mark the end of 'Chavismo,' the populist movement founded by Maduro's predecessor and mentor, the late Hugo Chávez. However, the official results present a contrasting picture, with Maduro securing another term in office.
Secretary Blinken highlighted the need for electoral transparency and fairness, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that every vote is counted accurately and transparently. He called for immediate information sharing between election officials and the opposition, as well as independent observers, without any delay. Additionally, he demanded the publication of detailed vote tabulation by the electoral authorities.
The US Secretary of State also issued a warning that the international community is closely monitoring the situation and will respond accordingly. This signifies that the international community is not merely observing the events in Venezuela but actively evaluating them and will likely take action based on their assessments. The controversy surrounding the election results adds to the ongoing political and economic crisis in Venezuela, where Maduro's leadership has faced severe criticism both domestically and internationally. The opposition and many international observers are demanding a thorough review of the electoral process to ensure that the true will of the Venezuelan people is respected.
Source: US raises 'serious concerns' over Venezuelan election results