The U.S. has officially recognized opposition candidate Edmundo González as the winner of Venezuela's disputed presidential election, contradicting President Nicolás Maduro's claims of victory. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the decision, citing "overwhelming evidence" that González had won. Despite Maduro's assertion and the government-controlled electoral body's declaration of his victory, no clear evidence has been provided, and election officials have not released a vote count. González's campaign maintains that receipts from over 80% of voting machines show he won by a significant margin.

Axar.az reports that this recognition by the U.S. marks a significant stance against Maduro's regime, which has long accused Washington of imperialist interference. The move, however, may not immediately impact Maduro's grip on power. Since the election, protests led by González's supporters have erupted, resulting in at least 17 deaths and the arrest of about 750 people. Prominent opposition leader María Corina Machado has called for further demonstrations, urging supporters to march in Caracas and display the Venezuelan flag as a symbol of freedom.
While the U.S. takes a firm position, other nations such as Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia have urged Venezuelan electoral authorities to release detailed voting data. These countries, governed by leftist leaders, hope to use diplomacy to pressure Maduro into acknowledging the true election results. Despite international scrutiny, Maduro has turned to Venezuela's Supreme Court, controlled by his allies, to mediate the election dispute. Both Maduro and González are expected to appear before the court, highlighting the ongoing tension and uncertainty surrounding Venezuela's political future.