US recognizes Maduro rival as winner of Venezuela election

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the victory of Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia in the presidential elections, stressing that the result announced by President Nicolas Maduro does not represent the will of the Venezuelan people.

“Given the overwhelming evidence, it is clear to the United States, and more importantly to the Venezuelan people, that Edmundo González Urrutia won the largest number of votes in Venezuela’s presidential election on July 28,” Blinken said in a statement late Thursday.

Blinken congratulated Urrutia on his successful campaign, stressing that this is the right time for the Venezuelan parties to begin discussions on a peaceful transfer of power in accordance with Venezuelan electoral law and the wishes of the Venezuelan people, he said.

Blinken rejected what he described as Maduro's unsubstantiated allegations and accusations against opposition leaders, saying that “Maduro and his representatives' threats to arrest opposition leaders constitute an undemocratic attempt to suppress political participation and retain power,” he said.

He stressed the need to protect the safety and security of opposition leaders and members, also calling for the release of detained protesters.

Calls for demonstrations

Blinken's statement came as Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado called on her supporters to demonstrate “in all cities” of the country on Saturday to denounce Maduro's announcement of his election victory.

“We must remain steadfast, organized and motivated with pride in achieving a historic victory on July 28, knowing that we will go to the end to achieve victory,” Machado said in a video posted on social media.

“The world will see the strength and determination of a society determined to live in freedom,” she added.

The country is witnessing a major political crisis and opposition protests, after Venezuela's electoral council announced that Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, was the winner of the July 28 elections, with 51% of the votes.

But the opposition says its tally, which included about 90 percent of the vote, shows Urrutia with more than double the incumbent president's tally, in line with independent polls conducted before the contest.