González’s Recognition as President-Elect by U.S. Could Spark Renewed Turmoil in Venezuela

The Biden administration’s recent decision to recognize the opposition candidate as the winner of Venezuela’s disputed presidential election is likely to escalate tensions. This move raises concerns about a potential repeat of the 2019 “two presidents under one roof” crisis, which stemmed from allegations of electoral fraud.

On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the U.S. recognizes González as Venezuela’s president-elect, citing respect for the will of Venezuelan voters. “The Venezuelan people spoke resoundingly on July 28 and made @EdmundoGU the president-elect,” Blinken wrote, emphasizing that democracy demands respect for the electorate’s wishes. This marks the first official recognition of González as president-elect by the U.S. government, signaling a formal stance from the Biden administration.

Previously, Venezuela’s pro-government Electoral Authority confirmed President Nicolás Maduro’s victory through two separate vote tallies. In response, the Venezuelan opposition declared González the president-elect, citing their count showing 67% support for González compared to 30% for Maduro. The international community has called for full transparency in the vote-counting process, with some countries, including Argentina, already treating Maduro’s defeat as a fait accompli.

However, Maduro remains defiant, ordering the detention of citizens protesting alleged electoral fraud. He maintains support from loyal military and police forces, the judiciary, and a divided legislature. In Venezuela, authorities arrested and later released 70 individuals who demonstrated against the election’s perceived unfairness. According to the Venezuelan NGO Foro Penal, between the day after the election and November 8, 1,836 people were arrested and remain in custody.

Meanwhile, González, who fled to Spain to avoid arrest by Venezuelan authorities, expressed gratitude for the U.S. recognition of the sovereign will of all Venezuelans. The term for Venezuela’s next president is set to begin on January 10 of next year.