U.S. Recognizes Maduro's Rival as Election Winner

The United States has recognized Venezuela's opposition candidate, Edmundo González, as the winner of the country's contested presidential election, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced last night. This stance challenges the claim of victory by Venezuela's authoritarian president, Nicolás Maduro, which is supported by the government-controlled electoral body. Maduro's administration has yet to release a vote count.

González's campaign asserts it possesses receipts from voting machines indicating he won by a significant margin. Blinken's declaration is expected to provoke anger from Maduro, who has held power since 2013. González's candidacy represents the most substantial electoral challenge to Maduro's rule since he assumed office.