Washington has recognized Western-backed opposition figure Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as the winner of Venezuela’s presidential election, despite the official results showing that incumbent President Nicolas Maduro won reelection.
The National Electoral Council officially proclaimed Maduro president Monday, announcing that he won 51.2% of the votes after 80% of the votes were counted. Runner-up Gonzalez received 44.2%.
The opposition disputed the results, claiming that Gonzalez received more than double the support of Maduro. On Thursday, the US government congratulated him on his “successful campaign.”
“It is clear to the United States… that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuela’s July 28 presidential election,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.
Maduro responded by saying Washington “should keep its nose out of Venezuela.”
Protests erupted in Venezuela following the announcement of the results, which Maduro condemned as an attempted “coup against Venezuela.” Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez also accused the Western-backed opposition of attempting a “media coup” and condemned the protests.
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Maduro earlier this week on being reelected. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that Venezuela’s opposition should admit defeat and congratulate the winner.
Peskov added that it is important for Venezuela to avoid attempts at destabilization fueled by third countries, and to remain free of outside meddling.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry also congratulated Maduro and called for greater cooperation. Other countries that recognized Maduro’s victory include Bolivia, Cuba, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Maduro will serve a third consecutive six-year term. He first took office in 2013 following the death of President Hugo Chavez.
Caracas has been under US sanctions for over 15 years. Washington refused to recognize Maduro as president following the 2018 election, and declared the head of the National Assembly, Juan Guaido, to be the interim leader of the country.
All Venezuelan government assets have been frozen in the US and any dealings with US citizens and companies have been barred.