In a virtual press conference with Argentine media, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado firmly rejected a proposal from Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for a new presidential election in Venezuela. The proposal emerged following the disputed results of last month's election, which saw Nicolás Maduro declared as the winner. Machado argued that redoing the election would be an insult to the people and questioned the efficacy of holding multiple elections if Maduro refuses to accept the results.

President Lula, who continues to refuse recognition of Maduro as the victor, suggested that a new election could be a viable option if Maduro possessed "good sense." He also emphasized that Maduro owed an explanation not only to Brazilians but also to the rest of the world. Lula further suggested the establishment of an electoral committee and the inclusion of international observers to ensure transparency.

Joining Brazil, the governments of Colombia and Mexico have taken a neutral stance in the election controversy, neither accepting nor rejecting the results declared by Venezuela's electoral authorities. In a joint statement, the three countries called on Venezuela's electoral body to release tens of thousands of vote tally sheets, considered necessary evidence for validating the results.

Under Venezuelan law, the National Electoral Council or judicial authorities can annul an election that is found to be fraudulent or where the outcome is impossible to determine. The law permits another election to take place within six to 12 months, with the same conditions and candidates as the annulled vote.

While the idea of a new election gains traction, logistical challenges, legal considerations, and financial implications raise concerns. Additionally, Maduro and his allies face the risk of diminished support and the inability to rely on loyal Chavistas and public employees, crucial components of their voting base.

The opposition has challenged the declared election results, claiming to possess tally sheets from over 80% of the electronic voting machines nationwide, indicating Maduro's loss by a significant margin. An analysis of the tally sheets released demonstrates that Edmundo Gonzalez garnered more votes than the government's official declaration. This raises doubts about the legitimacy of Maduro's victory.

Support for new elections has also come from U.S. President Joe Biden, who stated his endorsement without providing further details. The White House has consistently urged the Maduro government to release detailed voting data. White House spokesperson John Kirby expressed belief that Gonzalez was the leading vote-getter, citing various sources and emphasizing the importance of transparently displaying the actual voting data.

As the international community intensifies its calls for transparency and accountability, Venezuela faces mounting pressure to address the election controversy and find a resolution that restores faith in the democratic process.

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