Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, securing over 51% of the vote according to the National Electoral Council (CNE). However, the opposition, led by candidate Edmundo González, disputes these results, claiming González won with 70% of the vote based on their own records.
The electoral council’s announcement was met with significant controversy, as opposition leaders and international observers raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the election. María Corina Machado, a prominent opposition leader, stated that their data showed González receiving a decisive majority, asserting, “We won, and everyone knows it.”
The opposition accused the government of multiple irregularities, including the denial of access to vote counts and refusal to provide physical copies of the results to opposition poll watchers. Reports of violence at polling centers further marred the election, with opposition supporters allegedly attacked by pro-government colectivos.
Maduro, in his victory speech, characterized the election outcome as a triumph for peace and stability, dismissing allegations of electoral fraud. He attributed Venezuela’s economic hardships to foreign sanctions and portrayed the opposition as a destabilizing force.
International reactions were mixed. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed serious concerns about the announced results, calling for a transparent and fair vote count. Several Latin American leaders, including those from Chile and Argentina, also voiced doubts about the legitimacy of the election. Conversely, leaders from Bolivia, Honduras, and Cuba congratulated Maduro on his victory.
The contested election has intensified the political crisis in Venezuela, with both sides preparing for potential legal battles and further international scrutiny.
Maduro’s Perspective:
Claimed victory with 51% of the vote based on 80% of the voting stations
Described the win as a “triumph of peace, stability, republican ideals, and the ideas of equality.”
Blamed foreign sanctions for Venezuela’s economic troubles
Dismissed opposition claims and allegations of electoral fraud
Opposition’s Perspective:
Claimed their candidate, Edmundo González, won with 70% of the vote according to their own records
Alleged irregularities during the election, such as denial of access to vote counts and physical copies of results
Stated that the results did not reflect the will of the Venezuelan people and called for full transparency
Accused the government of rigging votes and using violence to suppress opposition supporters
International Community’s Perspective:
Expressed skepticism about the validity of the election results
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and various regional leaders called for transparent and fair vote counting
Some countries, like Bolivia, Honduras, and Cuba, congratulated Maduro, while others, including the U.S., Chile, and Argentina, did not recognize the results.
Fox Broadcasting Company:
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro wins re-election, as opposition disputes results
Cable News Network:
Both Venezuela strongman Nicolas Maduro and opposition claim election win, as US voices ‘serious concerns’
Washington Post:
Maduro’s electoral council declares him winner of Venezuelan election