2024-08-16 17:57:41
US President Joe Biden has backed the idea of new elections in Venezuela, launched by his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, after the Latin American country fell into political crisis following the presidential vote on July 28, the results of which were not recognized by the opposition, the agencies reported.
When asked if he would stand behind such a proposal, the American leader immediately replied: “I support it” during a press conference at the White House.
Earlier today, Lula said he still did not recognize Maduro as the winner of last month’s election, adding that if his colleague had “common sense” he would call another vote.
At a virtual press conference for Argentine media, the leader of the Venezuelan opposition, María Corina Machado, also commented on the proposal and described a possible repeat of the elections as an “insult” to the Venezuelan people. If Maduro continues to not accept the results, “will we go to a third election?” she asked rhetorically.
Maduro himself also commented to reporters on the idea launched by Lula and the ongoing disputes surrounding the election results, BTA reported.
“The elections have already taken place,” Maduro told reporters in Argentina and Chile via video conference.