Signing of the political agreement for the recognition of the results of the presidential elections to be held on July 28, 2024 (Photo: Presidential Press)

The Venezuelan political scene reached a consensus on Thursday with the signing of an Agreement on the Recognition of Results for the presidential elections on July 28. Representatives from various organizations, including President Nicolás Maduro, signed the document in an effort to reduce tensions and strengthen democratic institutions.

The agreement, signed by presidential candidates Luis Eduardo Martínez, Daniel Ceballos, Antonio Ecarri, Benjamín Rausseo, José Brito, Claudio Fermín, Javier Bertucci, and Maduro himself, commits the parties to respect the election results and resolve any disputes through established legal channels.

After the ceremony, President Maduro emphasized the significance of this step for national peace and stability: "This signature is an anti-Cuban signature," he stated, referring to those who might use the electoral process to incite violence and claim fraud. Maduro added, "Today, with this signature, we have told them: we do not want violence; respect the referee. If the referee calls you, you are obliged as a candidate to come and listen to the referee."

Prior to the signing, Elvis Amoroso, rector of the National Electoral Council (CNE), underscored the agreement's value as a critical step in strengthening democracy in Venezuela. He noted that this commitment demonstrates respect for the country's legal regulations and highlights the importance of honoring the popular will expressed at the polls.

Far-Right & US-sponsored, Edmundo González, Refuses to Sign the Agreement

Edmundo González Urrutia, the candidate of the far-right Democratic Unitary Platform, has refused to participate in the signing of an agreement proposed by the CNE. In a post on the social network X, he stated:

"It is an indication of the bias that characterizes this unequal campaign, in which the CNE should act with the impartiality required by the Constitution and the Law. An agreement can never be imposed unilaterally but must arise from a respectful dialogue between all parties. Dialogue between the parties will be our guide, never imposition."

González Urrutia's words contrast with reality. The PUD (far-right opposition) candidate has acknowledged that the NEC agreement reflects point 12 of the Barbados Agreement, signed by the government and the opposition. If the opposition has complied with the Barbados Agreement, as he claims, why refuse to ratify a commitment already made?

The contradiction in his speech is evident. He claims to defend dialogue, yet when the opportunity arises to materialize it through a concrete event, he steps back.

His refusal resonates with the most radical wing of the opposition, embodied by María Corina Machado, who categorically rejects any hint of dialogue or political conciliation. This position hints at their true intentions behind participating in the electoral process: using the democratic contest to destabilize. The Venezuelan government has repeatedly warned about this agenda, suggesting that in the face of an adverse election outcome, this sector may resort to claims of fraud to ignore results and foster political violence, echoing the episodes of 2014 and 2017.

US-Pawn, Edmundo González: Unipolar and Atlanticist

The lineup of candidates for the Venezuelan Presidential Elections on July 28, 2024 is now confirmed. One notable aspect is the lack of information available to the public about the government projects or general ideas of those vying for the country's highest office.

An exception is President and re-election candidate Nicolás Maduro, who unveiled the "Plan of the Homeland of the Seven T's / 7 Transformations 2025 – 2031" during his registration with the CNE, complying with regulatory requirements.

While candidates have articulated broadly vague economic and political proposals for Venezuela's future, these often veer into demagogy without contributing substantive new ideas for public debate. In contrast, Edmundo González Urrutia, leveraging his diplomatic career, has outlined his foreign policy ideas and broad principles, discussing Venezuela's geopolitical positioning and international alliance priorities under a potential administration.

Within Chavismo circles, the PUD's extreme right candidate has been labeled "the candidate of the United States," a characterization not without basis. Despite attempts to downplay it, González Urrutia's statements on reshaping Venezuela's diplomatic agreements signal a clear tilt towards a vision that aligns unfavorably with Venezuela's current multipolar engagement strategy, which spans Africa, Europe, the Pacific, and increasingly deeper ties in Asia, a region pivotal in global geopolitics.

Workers of the World Unite!!! Independencia y Patria Socialista!!! Viviremos y Venceremos!!!