In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela, emphasizing the Biden administration's support for the opposition's efforts to secure a competitive electoral process. Despite widespread expectations that the elections would not be free or fair, the Maduro regime's actions—including disqualifying candidates and intimidating voters—were highlighted as significant barriers to democracy.

The meeting underscored that on July 28th, Venezuelans overwhelmingly voted for Edmundo Gonzalez as their next president, despite facing threats and harassment. The regime's refusal to release official election results, as mandated by Venezuelan law, was condemned. Instead, unofficial tallies from over 80% of polling sites indicated that Gonzalez had indeed won the election. In a stark display of authoritarianism, the National Electoral Council announced Maduro's victory without providing any credible results.

The discussions also addressed the regime's subsequent repression and intimidation tactics against both domestic and foreign entities, which have further alienated the Venezuelan populace and isolated the country diplomatically. The meeting recognized the Venezuelan opposition's ability to unify diverse political factions in their quest for democracy, emphasizing the need for continued engagement with both in-country and exiled opposition groups.

Officials called for a collaborative approach with regional allies to present a united front against Maduro's dictatorship, stressing that the U.S. should act as a supportive partner rather than the primary actor in Venezuela's democratic struggle. The meeting noted that several Latin American countries have not recognized Maduro's claims of victory, signaling a regional consensus against his regime.

The implications of the Venezuelan elections extend beyond the country's borders, affecting regional stability and humanitarian conditions. The meeting concluded with a call for the State Department and USAID to outline their strategies for supporting Venezuela's democratic process in the coming months, highlighting the importance of international solidarity in the face of authoritarianism.