U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken asserts that the opposition candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, won the recent presidential election in Venezuela, not the current authoritarian leader, President Nicolas Maduro.
Key Points
U.S. supports opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia as the winner
Demand for transparency in the election process from regional leaders
Pros
Clear assertion of opposition victory by U.S. Secretary of State
Calls for a peaceful transition based on the will of the Venezuelan people
Cons
Maduro's refusal to release public voter polling tally sheets
Detention of over 1,000 people protesting alleged election fraud