Biden Recognizes Exiled Venezuelan Opposition Leader as 'True Winner' of Disputed Election

In a meeting at the White House, President Joe Biden referred to Edmundo González, the exiled Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate, as "the true winner" of the controversial July elections, which saw Nicolás Maduro declaring victory—a claim challenged both by González and various international players.

González, who fled to Spain following the election, has been vocally opposing Maduro's administration, asserting election rigging. His accusations have garnered widespread support from the opposition, which has called for mass protests against the Maduro government, while the regime has reacted angrily to Biden's endorsement.

Maduro's government labeled the White House meeting as "grotesque," alleging that the U.S. is backing an anti-democratic initiative designed to destabilize Venezuela. Despite these allegations, the Biden administration advocates for a "peaceful transfer of power" in the country.

The issue centers around the legitimacy of the election results, with the opposition claiming that the voting tallies—which the government has yet to release—indicate González was the clear victor. The Venezuelan national electoral authority, which leans towards Maduro, declared him the winner but failed to substantiate these claims with actual data.

The international community has expressed concern over this election, with the UN Human Rights Committee intervening to prevent the destruction of voting records that could support the opposition's claims. Amid escalating hostilities, the Maduro government has even offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to González's arrest, reflecting the growing risks faced by political dissidents in Venezuela.