## María Corina Machado Calls on AMLO and Sheinbaum to Demand Maduro Recognize Election Defeat
María Corina Machado, the national coordinator of the Venezuelan party Vente Venezuela since 2012, has called on Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) and Claudia Sheinbaum, the newly elected President of Mexico, to press Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to acknowledge his electoral defeat. The plea came following the controversial presidential elections held on July 28, 2024, where the National Electoral Council (CNE) of Venezuela declared Maduro the winner without releasing the polling station records.
During a virtual press conference with various Mexican media, Machado emphasized that the Mexican government bore a significant responsibility in the post-election crisis in Venezuela. She argued that Mexico, given its diplomatic relations with Venezuela, should encourage a negotiated transition of power to the opposition candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, from the Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD).
The CNE announced on July 29, 2024, that Maduro had been re-elected for a third six-year term, securing 51% of the votes compared to González Urrutia’s 44%. However, the opposition claimed they had copies of 84% of the voting records to prove election fraud.
Soon after, Maduro demanded the arrest of both González Urrutia and María Corina Machado, accusing them of insurrection. Machado, in turn, urged the Mexican government’s intervention, asking them to exert pressure on Maduro to accept his electoral loss and to halt his regime’s repression of protestors demanding his resignation.
Machado also invited the Mexican National Electoral Institute (INE) to verify the opposition’s documentation, affirming that the records indicated a 67% win for González Urrutia and only 30% for Maduro. She argued that even if Maduro secured all the remaining unexamined votes, it would not suffice to legitimize his victory.
In addition, Machado called upon Claudia Sheinbaum to lend an ear to the Venezuelan women’s resilience and unwavering fight against what they perceive to be the regime’s electoral theft.
Although Machado has tried to communicate with the Mexican government, she noted the lack of direct contact. A joint statement issued by the governments of Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia called for the immediate disclosure of detailed electoral data and an impartial verification of the results. They stressed that any disputes should be resolved institutionally.
President López Obrador emphasized the need for Venezuela’s Electoral Tribunal to declare a winner and ensure any disputes are handled legally. He reiterated the importance of non-intervention and peaceful resolutions while expressing readiness to observe future proceedings should democratic principles be upheld.
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### Secondary Article: International Reactions to Venezuela’s Controversial Elections
Amidst the electoral turmoil in Venezuela, international reactions continue to pour in. The United States has voiced support for the mediation efforts by Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia, calling for transparency and the rule of law to prevail.
The European Union has also expressed concern over the lack of clarity and has urged the Venezuelan government to allow independent investigations into the alleged electoral fraud. Various human rights organizations have condemned the reported acts of repression against opposition figures and civilians.
In a separate development, the Organization of American States (OAS) has announced plans to convene a special meeting to discuss the Venezuelan crisis, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions and processes in the region.
As global scrutiny intensifies, the situation in Venezuela remains delicate, with significant implications for regional stability and international diplomatic relations. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the country’s political future and the efficacy of international diplomatic efforts.