Venezuela's Opposition Faces Setback as Calls for New Election Emerge

SAO PAULO — Venezuela's opposition encountered a significant setback on Thursday as Brazil and Colombia, both allies of President Nicolás Maduro, suggested a repeat of the controversial presidential election held on July 28. This proposal arose shortly after the opposition coalition claimed to possess evidence that their candidate, María Corina Machado, won by a margin exceeding 2-to-1. Machado criticized the idea of a new election, labeling it an "insult" to the Venezuelan people and questioning the validity of holding multiple elections if results remain unacknowledged. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reiterated his refusal to recognize Maduro's victory, urging him to consider a new election. Lula emphasized that while Maduro remains president for the next six months, he should act sensibly by allowing international observers to monitor a new electoral process. This stance reflects a more neutral position taken by Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, which have neither fully endorsed nor rejected the electoral authorities' declaration of Maduro's win. In contrast, the U.S. government has expressed strong support for the opposition's claims, asserting that evidence clearly indicates González's victory. A White House official highlighted the absurdity of Maduro's refusal to acknowledge the election results, stating that the majority of Venezuelans and international observers recognize González as the true winner. An analysis of the opposition's tally sheets revealed that González received significantly more votes than reported by the government, casting doubt on the official results. As the political landscape in Venezuela remains fraught with tension, the possibility of a new election poses risks for Maduro, whose support has waned amid ongoing protests and discontent among the populace.