The U.S. declared on Monday that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s recent reelection lacked “any credibility” due to electoral manipulation, opening the possibility of new sanctions on the OPEC nation.
U.S. officials cast doubt on the official vote count
Senior officials, briefing reporters on Sunday’s controversial election, sharpened Washington’s response. Venezuela’s electoral authority claimed Maduro won a third term, continuing 25 years of socialist rule, despite independent exit polls indicating a landslide victory for the opposition.
Many governments cast doubt on the official vote count. Opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez asserted he was the true winner.
U.S. said to be assessing its sanctions policy
U.S. officials, speaking anonymously, demanded Maduro publish a detailed vote count. They warned that failure to do so would lead the international community to reject the election results. Although no new punitive measures were announced, Washington is assessing its sanctions policy based on Maduro’s actions.
Maduro claims elections were transparent
One official emphasized, “We are faced with a new scenario. We will consider this as we decide on sanctions toward Venezuela.” Notably, Washington rejected Maduro’s 2018 reelection as fraudulent.
However, it eased sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry last October following a deal between Maduro and opposition parties. In April, the U.S. reimposed sanctions, accusing Maduro of breaking electoral promises.
A U.S. official remarked, “By engaging in repression and electoral manipulation, and declaring a winner without detailed precinct results, Maduro’s representatives have stripped the election of any credibility.”
Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced concerns from Tokyo, stating, “The announced result does not reflect the will of the Venezuelan people.”
Maduro reiterated his campaign claim that Venezuela’s electoral system is transparent. Meanwhile, White House spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. would withhold judgment until further information is available, promising a responsive action.
The U.S. is coordinating with regional allies and international partners on potential consequences for Maduro’s government. President Biden plans to discuss the situation with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Tuesday.
Despite criticism from some U.S. politicians, Biden’s administration believes Sunday’s election was a clear call for change from Venezuelan voters, potentially strengthening the opposition’s negotiating position with Maduro.
With inputs from Reuters
