CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González, currently in exile, has claimed his victory in the disputed presidential election held last year, stating he was the rightful president following the polls. His claim coincides with alarming developments on the ground, particularly the reported kidnapping of his son-in-law, Rafael Tudares, by unidentified individuals in Caracas.

González, who is touring Latin America to garner support against President Nicolás Maduro, disclosed the incident on social media shortly after it occurred, stating that "hooded men, dressed in black," had forced Tudares into a gold-colored van while he was dropping González’s grandchildren off at school. The whereabouts of the children remain unknown following the incident, which has drawn international attention and condemnation.

Despite a heightened security presence in the Venezuelan capital, the kidnapping of Tudares has been characterized by the opposition coalition, the Unitary Platform, as a politically motivated act of aggression by the government, referring to it as a "forced disappearance." This coalition demands the immediate release of Tudares and other political prisoners, asserting that the Maduro regime fears González's rising influence.

González, a retired diplomat, was unexpectedly thrust into the political spotlight as the candidate for the opposition after María Corina Machado, the initial frontrunner, was barred from running by a judiciary controlled by Maduro's government. With little more than a year in the public eye, González has quickly become a symbol of hope for many Venezuelans disillusioned with Maduro’s lengthy rule.

The political backdrop of this crisis is underscored by the tension surrounding Maduro’s upcoming swearing-in ceremony on Friday. González and his supporters claim they hold electoral evidence demonstrating that he actually won the voter support over Maduro in the contested July elections. They have shared data from over 80% of voting machines, showing that González received twice the number of votes as Chávez’s successor, an assertion that has been supported by the Carter Center observation.

González's political journey is notable for his late entry into a world he previously avoided. "I have never participated in partisan politics of positions of elected office," he stated in a recent interview, reflecting on his unexpected rise as the leader of the opposition. His diplomatic experience has undoubtedly shaped his approach, contrasting sharply with the combative style typical of Venezuelan politicians.

As González attempts to solidify his position as the rightful leader, threats to his safety remain evident, especially after the Venezuelan government placed a bounty on his head following a judge's order for his arrest. His coalition considers the incidents surrounding his family, including the kidnapping, part of a broader governmental strategy to intimidate and suppress dissent.

As of now, González continues on his multi-nation tour, which recently included meetings with President Joe Biden and other significant figures in Washington, seeking to consolidate international support. Following the kidnapping of Tudares, he stated, "We continue," confirming his resolve to return to Venezuela and take the oath of office despite the inherent dangers he faces.

With rising tensions on the streets of Caracas, where schools remained closed and the populace seems hesitant to venture out, observers question the potential for mass mobilization against Maduro. Previous elections have seen significant unrest, and this latest chapter in Venezuela's political saga could ignite further turmoil.

This ongoing situation, as outlined in reports from HuffPost and AP News, highlights the intersection of personal tragedy and political upheaval in Venezuela, as Edmundo González navigates a treacherous landscape in his quest for leadership amidst the shadow of Nicolas Maduro's regime.