Biden and Lula demand electoral transparency amid Venezuelan crisis.

In a context marked by political instability in Venezuela, the presidents of the United States and Brazil, Joe Biden and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, respectively, held a phone conversation that highlights international concern regarding the recent election in the South American country. Both leaders agreed on the urgent need for the National Electoral Council (CNE) of Venezuela to immediately publish the voting records, a step they consider essential to ensure the transparency of the electoral process. The statement issued by the White House following the conversation indicates that Biden and Lula view the Venezuelan elections as a decisive moment for democracy in the region. This assertion underscores the importance of dialogue and cooperation among nations in situations where the credibility of electoral processes is under suspicion. The urgency of the situation is evident in the lack of precise and detailed information about the results, which has led the opposition to question the victory of President Nicolás Maduro, who has proclaimed himself the winner with 51.2% of the votes, according to the only official bulletin published so far. During the conversation, Lula insisted that the electoral process in Venezuela must be normalized and that it is crucial for the records to be published so that all political actors can have access to the necessary information. The Brazilian leader has played an active role in mediating between the Venezuelan government and the opposition, which has granted him a respected voice in the region. His call for transparency reflects a desire not only to resolve the current crisis but also to restore trust in the Venezuelan political system. On the other hand, the Venezuelan opposition has issued strong statements, claiming that they have evidence of having won the elections by a significant margin. According to their figures, candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, backed by opposition leader María Corina Machado, would have received more than 70% of the votes, a claim that contradicts the official version of the CNE. This discrepancy has fueled tensions in a country that has already witnessed a series of protests in response to what many consider electoral fraud. The situation has led to a growing wave of demonstrations on the streets of Venezuela. Authorities have reported the detention of around 750 people in what they have categorized as disturbances, and at least 11 deaths have been reported by non-governmental organizations. These figures highlight the severe humanitarian and political crisis facing the country, which has drawn the attention of the international community and prompted a strong response from world leaders. In a gesture of camaraderie, Lula also took the opportunity during the conversation to congratulate Biden on his decision not to run in the November elections, a measure he considers "magnanimous" and which, according to him, will contribute to the health of democracy in the United States. This moment of connection between the two leaders not only strengthens their ties but also establishes a context for collaboration on crucial issues affecting both countries and the region as a whole. Biden, for his part, reaffirmed his commitment to participate in the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro in November, emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations between the United States and Brazil. Both leaders see significant potential for cooperation in areas of mutual interest, from democracy and human rights to economic development and regional security. The Venezuelan crisis undoubtedly poses complex challenges not only for the country but also for political stability in Latin America. The reactions of Biden and Lula are a clear indication that regional powers are willing to collaborate and exert pressure on Maduro's government to meet demands for electoral transparency. As tensions continue in Venezuela and the opposition calls for further mobilizations, the international community is closely watching the next steps. The publication of the voting records could be a crucial turning point in the struggle for democracy in Venezuela, and both Biden and Lula are prepared to play a role in this process. The situation continues to evolve, and the world awaits clear and decisive responses that could restore trust in a system that has been severely questioned.