Edmundo González, Venezuelan opposition leader, arrived in Guatemala shortly after Nicolás Maduro’s third-term inauguration. Recognized by some nations as the election winner, González canceled plans to return to Venezuela due to safety concerns. His election was disputed by the opposition, which claimed to have won by a significant margin, supported by international observers.
Edmundo González, a prominent leader of the Venezuelan opposition, has arrived in Guatemala on Tuesday, coinciding with his assumption of notable relevance four days subsequent to Nicolás Maduro’s inauguration for a third term as the President of Venezuela. Guatemala’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Ramiro Martínez, confirmed this development and stated that President Bernardo Arévalo is scheduled to confer with González on Wednesday.
González, who is regarded by numerous nations as the rightful winner of the recent presidential election, had previously expressed intentions to return to Venezuela and assume office. However, following Maduro’s swearing-in ceremony last Friday, he rescinded those plans due to concerns regarding safety and adequate conditions for his return.
According to an official from the Dominican Republic’s airport, González departed on a private plane from a minor airport near Santo Domingo after having spent six days in the Dominican Republic. The Venezuelan National Electoral Council, dominated by Maduro’s allies, had proclaimed him the victor of the July 28 election without providing comprehensive vote counts to corroborate the announced outcome.
Contrarily, the opposition documented vote tallies from 85% of electronic voting machines and shared them publicly, illustrating that González had indeed won by a considerable margin. Observations from United Nations experts and the U.S.-based Carter Center, both of which were invited by Maduro’s administration, have affirmed the authenticity of the opposition-published tally sheets.
The political landscape in Venezuela has been tumultuous, particularly surrounding the legitimacy of recent elections. Nicolás Maduro, in power for several years, faced opposition led by individuals like Edmundo González, who claim rightful victory in elections marred by irregularities. As international observers question the process, tensions rise both within Venezuela and among neighboring countries. González’s arrival in Guatemala underscores ongoing international interest and potential diplomatic engagements regarding Venezuelan politics.
The arrival of Edmundo González in Guatemala shortly after Maduro’s controversial inauguration highlights the ongoing political turmoil and disputes regarding the legitimacy of elections in Venezuela. With claims of a significant opposition victory and safety concerns hindering González’s return to Venezuela, the international community remains observant. The situation continues to evolve, with potential implications for diplomatic relations in the region.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
