The potential for a new election in Venezuela has received backing from US President Joe Biden and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, despite opposition from Venezuela’s ruling party and their claim of victory in the July 28 contest.

President Biden voiced his support for a new election in Venezuela during a discussion with reporters. A spokesperson for the National Security Council later clarified that Biden’s statement highlighted the lack of transparency from Maduro and his representatives regarding the election results.

The US official further underscored that the majority of countries in the region were urging Maduro to release the election results and acknowledge the outcome. However, the suggestion for a new election has received no support from either Maduro or his opposition coalition opponents.

The US, along with other Western countries, has shown scant indication of immediate, stringent action over what they have condemned as voting fraud. President Lula proposed a “coalition government” as another potential solution for Venezuela, but Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado dismissed the suggestions of both Biden and Lula.

President Lula and his Colombian counterpart Gustavo Petro have held discussions in efforts to find a resolution to Venezuela’s crisis. Petro suggested a temporary power-sharing arrangement between the ruling party and the opposition, similar to an approach used in Colombia in the 20th century.

However, ruling party officials in Venezuela have previously rejected the possibility of new elections. President Lula also emphasized the need for Maduro to provide an explanation to Brazil and the world regarding the election results.

Leaders from Latin America are scheduled to address the crisis in Venezuela during the upcoming weekend, particularly at the inauguration of the Dominican Republic’s new president. Lula’s top foreign policy advisor, Celso Amorim, clarified that Brazil had not formally proposed a new election in Venezuela.

During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Amorim faced criticism for Brazil’s lenient stance on Maduro and was interrogated about the country’s efforts for jailed opposition leaders. He mentioned Brazil’s offer to transport six opposition members seeking asylum in the Argentine embassy, which is now under Brazilian protection.

The electoral authority in Venezuela declared Maduro as the winner with 51% of the vote, but full vote tallies have not been disclosed. On the other hand, the opposition’s posted tallies show Gonzalez received 67% of the vote.

The endorsement of a new election in Venezuela from the US and Brazil indicates a possible shift in the international approach to the country’s political crisis. While some proposals have been dismissed by both the ruling party and the opposition, the discussions and efforts from various leaders demonstrate a growing concern and willingness to find a resolution.

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