Venezuelan Opposition Leader Urges Colombia’s President to Acknowledge Electoral Victory

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has urged Colombian President Gustavo Petro to recognize her faction’s victory in Venezuela’s disputed July presidential election. Despite the Maduro regime’s claims of victory, Machado’s coalition presented evidence indicating their candidate won. She emphasized the need for international support against repression in Venezuela, warning of regional implications if Maduro retains power, while continuing efforts to rally backing for a transition of government.

Maria Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, has made a significant appeal to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, urging him to recognize her faction’s electoral victory in Venezuela’s contested July presidential election. In a virtual address to Colombia’s Senate, she sought to intensify international pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, demanding his resignation by January. Machado, who is currently in hiding to evade potential arrest, called for urgent action, asserting, “To the Government of Colombia, especially President Petro: It is time for decisions. Silence is no longer an option in the face of what is happening in Venezuela.” She reiterated her commitment to engage in constructive negotiations that reflect the will of the Venezuelan people as expressed during the election. In stark contrast to the claims made by Maduro’s electoral authorities, who quickly declared him the victor amidst claims of a website hack that prevented the release of detailed results, Machado’s coalition has publicly shared vote tally data from more than 80% of the electronic voting machines, which indicates that opposition candidate Edmundo González secured a considerable victory. During her address, Machado stressed the critical nature of support from Colombian senators, stating, “To you, honourable senators, I ask you to be guarantors of our victory and to be the voice of those of us who today are facing the most atrocious and ruthless repression.” She detailed the alarming post-election government actions, including the detention and torture of minors suspected of being opposition sympathizers. Furthermore, Machado articulated the regional ramifications should Maduro continue to hold power, pointing out that Venezuela has increasingly become a sanctuary for criminal guerrilla factions linked to Colombia. This phenomenon could severely complicate President Petro’s efforts to pursue peace agreements with Colombian rebel groups after assuming office in 2022. Despite attempts by President Petro, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and former Mexican President Andres Manuel López Obrador to mediate the electoral crisis in Venezuela, their interventions proved ineffective as Maduro fortified his grip on power by reshuffling his government and imprisoning over 2,000 opponents. González, a former diplomat and opposition candidate, fled to Spain in September following the issuance of an arrest warrant in connection with the disclosure of the vote tally sheets. Meanwhile, although Maduro’s government has positioned itself as a mediator in discussions with Colombian rebel groups, progress on negotiations, particularly with the National Liberation Army, has stagnated since earlier this year. The inauguration of the next presidential term in Venezuela is scheduled for January 10, and Machado remains steadfast in her efforts to garner international support against Maduro’s regime while maintaining a low profile due to concerns for her safety.

The situation surrounding Venezuela’s disputed presidential election and the subsequent calls for recognition from international leaders highlights the growing tensions between the Venezuelan opposition and the Maduro government. This ongoing political crisis has far-reaching implications not just for Venezuela but also for neighboring nations, especially Colombia, which faces its own challenges related to peace processes with rebel groups. The backdrop of increased repression within Venezuela and the plight of opposition figures like Maria Corina Machado creates a complex scenario that demands attention from global leaders.

In conclusion, the appeal made by Maria Corina Machado to Colombian President Gustavo Petro underscores the urgent call for international recognition of electoral outcomes in Venezuela. As Machado seeks to consolidate support to challenge Maduro’s regime, the situation remains critical not only for Venezuela but also for regional stability in Latin America. The escalation of actions taken by the Maduro government against opposition figures further complicates the political landscape, necessitating a coordinated international response to the crisis.

Original Source: www.oneindia.com