Venezuela Opposition Candidate Gonzalez Urges New Elections

Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, the 76-year-old former diplomat recognized by several countries as the winner of the 2024 Venezuelan presidential election, has called for new presidential elections to be held in the country. He also declared his support for Nobel Peace Prize winner and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

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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.

In a video message shared on social media, Gonzalez conveyed his solidarity with Machado and other democratic forces in Venezuela. He emphasized their shared goal of achieving freedom for Venezuela and their united path towards that destiny. "My commitment is to do everything in my power to ensure that mandate becomes real freedom, real democracy," Gonzalez stated.

Gonzalez stressed the importance of an election process characterized by "independent referees," political pluralism, and the presence of both national and international observers. He believes it is time to "build the conditions for holding presidential elections that serve as citizens instruments for change."

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My commitment is to do everything in my power to ensure that mandate becomes real freedom, real democracy.

The article notes Venezuela's complex political situation, mentioning that Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has seemingly been more accommodating to U.S. demands regarding oil access. It also recalls that Machado was barred from participating in the 2024 election, which official results showed Maduro winning, though international observers questioned the credibility and fairness of the process. Some nations, including the United States, had recognized Gonzalez as the legitimate winner.

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to build the conditions for holding presidential elections that serve as citizens instruments for change.