Opposition candidate chased into exile

Days after Maduro government ordered his arrest, former diplomat arrives in Spain seeking asylum

- REGINA GARCIA CANO AND JOSHUA GOODMAN

CARACAS, VENEZUELA For millions of Venezuelans and dozens of foreign governments, Edmundo González was the undisputed winner of the country’s July 28 presidential election.

But on Sunday, he joined the swelling ranks of once-prominent government opponents who have fled into exile, leaving his political future uncertain and tightening Nicolás Maduro’s grip on power.

Edmundo González, 75, led Venezuela’s opposition party, Plataforma Unitaria Democratica, after a coalition chose him to replace María Corina Machado, who was barred from running in July’s election.

The former presidential candidate arrived at a military airport outside Madrid after being granted safe passage by Maduro’s government so he could take up asylum in Spain.

His surprise departure came just days after Maduro’s government ordered his arrest.

González, 75, burst onto Venezuela’s political scene less than five months ago. His candidacy was as accidental as it gets after opposition powerhouse María Corina Machado was barred from running and a hand-picked substitute was also blocked.