The government of Venezuela has put out a $100,000 reward for information on the whereabouts of Edmundo González, the opposition candidate who claims to have defeated President Nicolás Maduro in last year’s election. This announcement comes just eight days before Venezuela’s next presidential term is set to begin. González had left Venezuela for exile in Spain in September after a judge issued a warrant for his arrest in connection to the election results. The opposition claims that González won the election with twice as many votes as Maduro, based on tally sheets collected from electronic voting machines. However, electoral authorities did not provide detailed vote counts, sparking global condemnation over the lack of transparency.
In response to the criticism, Maduro asked the high court, which is stacked with ruling-party loyalists, to audit the election results. The court subsequently confirmed his victory, and Maduro has received an invitation from the National Assembly for a swearing-in ceremony on January 10. Meanwhile, González has announced plans to return to Venezuela by that date, but has not provided details on how he intends to do so or what his plans are upon arrival. González’s government has accused Maduro’s allies of coercing him into signing a letter recognizing his defeat in the election, raising questions about the legitimacy of Maduro’s victory.
Despite being in exile in Spain, González is planning to start an international tour with a visit to Argentina, where he is scheduled to meet with President Javier Milei. Milei’s government has been a strong supporter of Venezuela’s main opposition coalition and has sheltered members of the faction in the Argentine diplomatic compound in Caracas since March. It remains to be seen how González’s international tour and meetings with foreign leaders will impact the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela. The $100,000 reward offered for information on his whereabouts indicates the government’s determination to track him down and prevent any potential challenge to Maduro’s presidency. The situation continues to evolve as Venezuela prepares for a new presidential term amidst mounting tensions and international scrutiny.
