PANAMA CITY (AP) In a significant move just days before Venezuela’s presidential inauguration, self-exiled opposition leader Edmundo González arrived in Panama on Wednesday to garner regional support, arguing that he emerged victorious in the contested July elections against President Nicolás Maduro. Accompanied by a group of former Latin American leaders, González engaged in discussions with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino at the presidential palace. They were photographed holding what González claimed to be the original ballot tallies, which purportedly demonstrated his decisive win in the July 28 elections.
During his meeting with Mulino, González emphasized the dire situation in Venezuela, stating, "Venezuela is facing very complicated times because the regime insists on clinging to power despite having been widely defeated in the elections." He accused the Maduro administration of "openly stealing" the elections, reaffirming the opposition’s stance on the legitimacy of the election results.
This visit occurred after González’s tour, which included meetings with U.S. President Joe Biden and leaders from Argentina and Uruguay. He indicated plans to return to Venezuela to assume the presidency on Friday, although he did not detail how he would do so or address the imminent threat posed by Maduro’s government, which has issued an arrest warrant against him and holds control over critical state institutions, including the military.
The Venezuelan opposition celebrated when Colombian leftist leader Gustavo Petro announced he would not participate in Maduro’s inauguration, citing the recent detention of a human rights activist in Venezuela. Petro’s decision marks a notable shift, showcasing increased support for the opposition at a time when they have faced mounting challenges from the Maduro regime. "We can’t recognize elections that were not free," Petro stated on the social media platform X, further reinforcing the opposition's claims against the electoral process.
Despite these small victories, the opposition is grappling with severe obstacles, compounded by a series of crackdowns from Maduro's regime post-elections. The Maduro government has not disclosed the official election tallies, which the opposition claims to have compiled through a significant grassroots effort. Following González's announcement of his supposed electoral win, the Maduro administration responded with mass arrests of critics and opposition figures, escalating tensions further. Recently, González also reported that his son-in-law was kidnapped.
Maduro’s declaration of victory has drawn sharp criticisms regionally. In response, Panama became one of the first Latin American nations to demand a comprehensive review of the electoral results. Following Maduro's announcement of his win, Mulino's administration pledged to suspend relations with Caracas until such a review occurred. On Wednesday, Mulino reiterated his government’s stance, declaring, "We want to make it clear to you that Panama is with you and with the legitimacy you represent," as he expressed solidarity with González.
This unfolding situation highlights the ongoing struggle within Venezuela as the opposition, led by González, endeavors to challenge Maduro's enduring grip on power amidst an increasingly volatile political landscape.
