The crisis in Venezuela intensifies following Maduro's reelection and international rejection.

The political tension in Venezuela has reached a new level following the recent proclamation of Nicolás Maduro as re-elected president, a result that has been challenged by both the opposition and various international actors, including the United States. In a clear statement from the White House, spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre demanded that Maduro acknowledge that Edmundo González Urrutia, candidate of the Democratic Unitary Platform, received the majority of votes in the elections held on July 28. This pronouncement comes amid a growing climate of discontent and protests in the South American country. Jean-Pierre emphasized that the responsibility to recognize the results lies directly with Maduro, suggesting that the international community, including the United States, will continue to explore ways to pressure the Venezuelan government to accept the reality of the elections. "It is clear that Edmundo has the majority of the votes. And Maduro must recognize it," the spokesperson stressed, highlighting Washington's firm stance on the political situation in Venezuela. The White House statement not only underscores the lack of international recognition of Maduro's victory but also reflects a growing consensus among several countries in the region, such as Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico, which have sought to mediate in this crisis. These governments are attempting to find a solution that allows for the stabilization of the political and social situation in Venezuela, which has been marked by violence and repression. Tensions have escalated since the elections, with reports from non-governmental organizations documenting at least 25 deaths and over 2,400 arrests in the context of protests against the election results. The opposition has denounced the lack of transparency in the electoral process and has urged the international community not to recognize Maduro's re-election, claiming that the elections lacked the necessary guarantees to be considered fair. The preliminary report from the UN panel of experts has reinforced the opposition's claims. According to the document, the elections did not meet the "basic measures of transparency and integrity" required for a legitimate electoral process. Prominent opposition figures, such as former deputy Juan Pablo Guanipa, have reiterated that the voting records reviewed by the UN corroborate González Urrutia's victory, despite the National Electoral Council (CNE) declaring Maduro the winner. Henrique Capriles, who has been a presidential candidate twice, also joined the criticism, indicating that the UN report "reaffirms" that Maduro indeed lost the elections. The lack of a detailed breakdown of the results by the CNE has been a point of controversy, with the panel of experts noting that this omission is unprecedented in democratic elections. In response to these accusations, the CNE has labeled the UN report as "pamphleteering" and defended the validity of the proclaimed results. The electoral body reminded that it was invited by the government to observe the process, although it clarified that it was not a formal observation mission. This defense has led to an atmosphere of distrust between the government and the opposition, further exacerbating the political polarization in the country. Maduro's government has disqualified the members of the UN panel as "false electoral experts," accusing them of spreading "lies" and having a hidden political agenda. This type of rhetoric reflects the growing tension between the government and any form of criticism, whether internal or external. As the crisis deepens, the international community watches closely and with concern the developments in Venezuela. Pressure on Maduro to acknowledge the election results may intensify as the opposition and human rights defenders continue to demand a change in the country's political landscape. In the context of a humanitarian crisis, where millions of Venezuelans face shortages of food and medicine, the outcome of this political contest not only impacts the national scene but also has repercussions for the stability of the entire region. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan people continue to seek answers and a solution to the prolonged crisis that has marked their daily lives.