The Guatemalan government does not recognize the results of the presidential elections in Venezuela, which were won by incumbent leader Nicolas Maduro, due to alleged irregularities and “public complaints,” the Central American country’s Foreign Ministry said.
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“Guatemala does not recognize the results of the presidential elections in Venezuela, held on July 28, 2024, due to the lack of appropriate guarantees and disrespect for the popular will expressed by the Venezuelan people at the polls. Guatemala… expresses its readiness to cooperate with the international community in finding diplomatic solutions that guarantee respect for the will of the Venezuelan people and strengthening democracy in the region,” the foreign ministry said in a communiqué.
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The presidential elections in Venezuela took place on July 28, with the National Electoral Council proclaiming Nicolas Maduro the winner. The next day, protests erupted in the country against the results of these elections; in Caracas and other cities, clashes began between security forces and demonstrators, who began throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at law enforcement officers; more than 250 police strongholds were destroyed; multiple acts of vandalism and robberies were recorded.
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Maduro reported on July 31 that law enforcement officers detained more than 1.2 thousand people; they are accused of destroying state infrastructure, inciting hatred and terrorism, and another thousand rioters are still wanted.
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Washington, without waiting for the results of the counting and subsequent audit of votes, called on the world community to recognize opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez as the winner of the presidential elections in Venezuela, “given the clear evidence.”
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US and EU legislators overseeing international relations on Friday threatened Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro with “responsibility” if he does not voluntarily relinquish his powers as head of state after the last elections, calling the voting results fraudulent.
The Venezuelan opposition at rallies claims that it has evidence of its victory – supposedly the protocols they have show a convincing victory for Gonzalez, who received “more than 8 million votes.”
