Blinken expresses deep concerns over announced outcome of Venezuelan election

TOKYO — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed significant worries regarding the declared outcome of Venezuela’s fiercely debated presidential election that authorities claim was secured by current leader Nicolas Maduro.

Addressing the audience in Tokyo on Monday shortly after the announcement, Blinken mentioned that the U.S. was troubled that the outcome did not mirror the desires or votes of the Venezuelan citizens. He urged election officials to promptly and transparently disclose the complete results and stated that the U.S. and the global community would react accordingly.

“We observed the announcement just a brief moment ago by the Venezuelan Electoral Commission,” he stated. “We have significant worries that the outcome disclosed does not represent the desire or the votes of the Venezuelan citizens.”

“It’s crucial that every ballot is counted justly and transparently, that the electoral authorities immediately reveal information to the opposition and impartial observers without delay, and that the electoral authorities publish the tabulation of votes. The global community is closely monitoring this situation and will react accordingly,” Blinken remarked.

In Venezuela, the declaration of the election results from Sunday was delayed by numerous hours, and the National Electoral Council, under Maduro’s influence, announced that Maduro had obtained a majority without disclosing figures from polling stations.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was prevented from participating. However, she mentioned following the council’s statement that the victory margin for the opposition’s candidate, Edmundo González, was “overwhelming” according to voting statistics received from campaign representatives from approximately 40% of ballot boxes nationwide.