Edmundo Gonzlez, Venezuelas opposition leader, has claimed he was coerced into accepting President Nicols Maduros electoral win.Gonzlez, who ran against Maduro in Julys presidential election, made this revelation on Wednesday, September 18th.The 75-year-old former presidential candidate stated he faced an ultimatum to sign a letter acknowledging Maduros victory.Gonzlez asserted that he was presented with a clear choice: sign or face unspecified consequences.Currently in Spain, Gonzlez received political asylum earlier this month following a Venezuelan arrest warrant.Maduros Win Contested: Gonzlez Cites Coercion in Victory Acknowledgment.
(Photo Internet reproduction)His exile followed widespread protests and accusations of electoral fraud in the country.The National Electoral Council had previously declared Maduro the winner of the July 28th presidential election.However, the opposition contested this outcome, citing their own publication of voting records online.Gonzlez recounted a tense meeting at the Spanish embassy in Caracas with Venezuelan officials.He described hours of pressure, coercion, and blackmail, which ultimately led to his reluctant signature.The opposition leader emphasized the invalidity of the signed document, asserting that coercion nullifies consent.He justified his decision by stating he believed he could be more effective free than imprisoned.In response, Jorge Rodrguez, President of Venezuelas National Assembly, presented Gonzlezs signed letter in Caracas.Rodrguez issued a 24-hour ultimatum for Gonzlez to retract his coercion claims, threatening to release audio recordings.Maduros Win Contested: Gonzlez Cites Coercion in Victory AcknowledgmentThis controversy unfolds amid international concern about Venezuelas political climate.A recent UN report accused Maduros government of intensifying repressive tactics to quell peaceful protests following the contested election.The Supreme Court of Venezuela has endorsed the electoral authoritys declaration of Maduros victory.However, authorities have yet to release complete voting records that would substantiate Maduros win.