Venezuela’s Supreme Tribunal of Justice ruled yesterday that Nicolas Maduro won the July 28 presidential election against democratic opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez. This ruling lacks all credibility, given the overwhelming evidence that Gonzalez received the most votes on July 28.
The publicly available and independently verified precinct-level tally sheets show Venezuelan voters chose Edmundo Gonzalez as their future leader. The will of the Venezuelan people must be respected. Now is the time for the Venezuelan parties to begin discussions on a respectful, peaceful transition in accordance with Venezuelan electoral law, and the wishes of the Venezuelan people.
Continued attempts to fraudulently claim victory for Maduro will only exacerbate the ongoing crisis. The United States calls on Maduro to release those who have been detained for exercising their right to free expression.
The United States and the international community will continue to stand up for the Venezuelan voters whose will and rights have been continuously undermined since July 28. We stand ready to support an inclusive, Venezuelan-led process to re-establish democratic norms.