The opposition candidate in the last Venezuelan presidential elections, Edmundo González, has set out this Saturday the requirements that, in his opinion, must be met to call presidential elections again in Venezuela in "a truly democratic and truly free process," which would mean setting aside his claim as president-elect.
"Today, as always, the interests of the Republic are above all (...). That means presidential elections," he stated in a video speech disseminated through social networks.
Among the essential elements, he mentioned the need for independent electoral arbitrators, a reliable electoral registry, both national and international observation, genuine political pluralism, and effective access to independent media. However, he stressed that "there is something that comes before all of that, conditions that are non-negotiable" such as "the freedom of political prisoners, the end of persecution, respect for the Constitution, and the independence of the electoral and judicial powers."
"It is time to build the conditions to hold presidential elections that serve as a citizen instrument for change, that contribute to the democratic reinstitutionalization of the country, and lay the groundwork for a stable and true government that includes us all," he defended in his message.
González emphasized that he is not "alone" in this approach, as he discussed it last week with opposition leader María Corina Machado and with the "democratic forces of Venezuela" gathered in Panama. "We are together, united on the same roadmap, towards the same destination. Because when Venezuela's democratic leadership, in coalition, points in the same direction, that direction is a mandate," he indicated.
The opposition maintains that González was the most voted candidate in the elections of July 28, 2024, although the authorities proclaimed Nicolás Maduro as the winner, who is currently imprisoned after a US military incursion into Caracas. This military operation opened the door to an rapprochement between Venezuela and the United States.