Venezuela"s election: Is Edmundo Gonzalez the true winner?

Following the July 28 presidential election in Venezuela, the political landscape has become increasingly complex. The European Parliament voted on September 19, 2019, in favor of a resolution recognizing Edmundo Gonzalez as the country's legitimate president. However, this recognition has not been matched by any European nation, highlighting a significant divide in international responses to the election results. While the US and other countries have acknowledged the overwhelming evidence of Gonzalez's victory, they have stopped short of officially designating him as president-elect. This cautious approach stems from the desire to avoid repeating past mistakes, such as the recognition of Juan Guaido as interim president in 2019, which ultimately led to a power vacuum and instability. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Gonzalez has been in exile in Madrid since early September, raising questions about the legitimacy of his leadership from abroad. The Council of the EU has indicated that official voting records published by the opposition suggest Gonzalez won by a significant majority, yet the lack of formal recognition as president-elect reflects the delicate balancing act Western nations are attempting to maintain. As protests against Nicolas Maduro's claimed victory continue in Venezuela, the international community remains divided. The reluctance to fully embrace Gonzalez's presidency underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing Venezuela's political crisis and the implications for future diplomatic relations.