Venezuela's Supreme Court has ratified President Nicolás Maduro's controversial victory in the July 28 presidential election, stating that the electoral materials reviewed confirmed his win. The court's ruling has been met with widespread criticism, as the opposition claims that their candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, actually secured a significant majority of the votes. In response to the ruling, González Urrutia emphasized the need for truth and accused the court of usurping popular sovereignty. The decision has been condemned by various international observers and human rights advocates, who argue that the court lacks independence and is complicit in electoral fraud. Maduro's government has taken a hardline stance against dissent, threatening legal action against opposition leaders and citing external interference as a justification for its actions. Despite the court’s validation, many countries, including Brazil and Colombia, refuse to recognize Maduro's victory, highlighting the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela.