Venezuelan Opposition Leader Claims Coercion in Election

Edmundo Gonzalez, a former Venezuelan opposition leader, claims he was coerced into signing a document that recognized Nicolas Maduro's victory in the disputed July presidential election. Gonzalez revealed that he faced intense pressure and threats from Maduro's government, including an arrest warrant, which prompted him to sign the letter as a condition for his escape from Venezuela. The National Electoral Council, aligned with the Maduro regime, declared Maduro the winner without providing detailed vote counts, leading to widespread accusations of electoral fraud. Gonzalez asserts that he is the legitimate president, backed by opposition claims that he won the election by a significant margin, as supported by data from 80% of electronic voting machines. After fleeing to Spain and receiving political asylum, he reaffirmed his commitment to serving the Venezuelan people, despite the controversial letter being presented by Maduro's allies. The international community, including the U.S., has largely rejected Maduro's claim to victory, citing a lack of transparency in the electoral process.