Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia solidified his stance as the president-elect of Venezuela during his visit to Panamá on Wednesday, where he presented the country’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Javier Martínez-Acha, with voting tallies from the disputed July 28, 2024, election.
The documents, referred to as “actas,” indicate González secured 67% of the votes, affirming his victory over incumbent Nicolás Maduro, who the National Electoral Council claims won with 51.95%. This claim, met with skepticism, has been challenged by the opposition, which organized thousands of poll watchers and secured over 85% of the precinct-level tally sheets on the election day. According to González, these actas serve as "my true tri-colored flag, ..." handed to him by the people.
At the presentation ceremony held at the Atalpa convention center, González emphasized the importance of the actas, stating, "These 'actas' represent the sovereign will of the Venezuelan people, who demonstrated their desire to live free and democratic lives." The official transfer of these documents to the Panamanian government was also captured in a signed document, symbolizing the deep ties of solidarity between the two nations.
“The ‘actas’ of truth, which express the popular sovereignty and ...” said María Corina Machado, another significant figure within the opposition. Her comments, made on social media, stressed how these documents create “an indelible historical bond” between Panamá and Venezuela, reinforcing calls for political change.
González’s actions follow his international tour, which began on January 4, as he seeks backing for his leadership before taking office on January 10, according to Venezuelan constitutional mandates. After fleeing to Spain to escape legal repercussions from the Maduro regime, he has made various stops, including meetings with Argentinian President Javier Milei and Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou, showing a concerted effort to gather support.
During his visit to the United States, he had discussions with President Joe Biden, enhancing his profile as recognized leader among other Latin American leaders. Observers noted this tour reflects the high stakes and urgency faced by González as he moves closer to what he hopes will be his official inauguration.
The situation surrounding González remains precarious; Maduro’s administration has intensified pressure, recently announcing a USD $100,000 reward for his capture and distributing “Wanted” posters featuring his image across Caracas and at the Simón Bolívar International Airport.
Despite the threats, González remains resolute about returning to his homeland. He intends to come back on January 10, the designated date for the new president to assume office. With him, nine former Latin American and Spanish presidents are slated to accompany the president-elect, possibly serving as both political support and a buffer against aggressive actions from Maduro's regime.
The backdrop of this political saga highlights the division and tension within Venezuelan politics, underscored by the actions and reactions of international entities. During the election, opposition groups grew remarkably organized, challenging the legitimacy of the voting process and rehearsing their plans for potential unrest.
While González's supporters celebrate the formal presentation of the actas to the Panamanian government, the situation remains fraught with uncertainty. Maduro’s administration continues to hold significant power and has shown no intention of willingly ceding authority. This next chapter for Venezuela will likely shape the future of leadership and governance for its citizens and influence regional stability as onlookers await González's next steps.
González's efforts to galvanize support through strategic partnerships seem to mark his determination to establish legitimacy and assert authority amid the chaotic political environment. His commitment was clear as he called for the recognition of the true votes cast by the Venezuelan people, distinguishing them from the claims propagated by Maduro's administration.
Whether González can navigate the treacherous waters of Venezuelan politics and synchronize international support against internal challenges remains to be seen, but the upcoming days could herald momentous changes for the nation.