Venezuelan opposition figure Juan Pablo Guanipa attacks CNE legitimacy and warns earthquake won’t delay elections

Opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa denounced the legitimacy of Venezuela’s National Electoral Council (CNE), accusing its president Elvis Amoroso and the board of stealing the popular will in the July 28 presidential vote. In a video outside the CNE headquarters, Guanipa called for a “truly impartial arbiter” and a restructuring of the council, saying the results were written on a napkin to favor Nicolás Maduro.

He also rejected claims that the June 24 earthquake should postpone the country’s political transition. In an interview, Guanipa argued the disaster should not be used to delay elections, emphasizing that a credible electoral process is essential for restoring democracy and economic recovery. He highlighted the United States’ role in supporting a transition and urged Venezuela to move toward free elections as soon as possible.