Electoral authority announces Maduro’s victory
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro secured a third term in office on Monday, winning 51% of the vote, according to the country’s electoral authority. This result contrasts with multiple exit polls that suggested an opposition’s victory. Opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez garnered 44% of the vote, the authority reported.
Maduro’s continued rule and allegations of authoritarianism
At 61, Maduro will now lead Venezuela for another six years. Since taking office in 2013, he has faced accusations of imprisoning critics and suppressing opposition amidst growing authoritarianism.
Independent polls had predicted the end of “Chavismo,” the populist movement started by Maduro’s socialist predecessor and mentor, the late Hugo Chavez. Defying these predictions, Maduro addressed his supporters, promising “peace, stability, and justice” and had previously warned of a “bloodbath” if he lost.
Opposition’s rejection and call for transparency
As Maduro’s supporters celebrated, opposition voters waited to hear from Gonzalez and Maria Corina Machado. Gonzalez had replaced Machado on the ticket after authorities loyal to Maduro excluded her from the race.
The opposition coalition rejected the official results, claiming they had actually secured 70% of the vote. Addressing a press conference, Machado said, “We want to say to all of Venezuela and the world that Venezuela has a new president-elect and it is Edmundo Gonzalez.”
International concerns over election integrity
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed serious concerns about the accuracy of the results, urging for fair counting and transparency. Chile’s President Gabriel Boric also found the election outcome hard to believe, reflecting widespread skepticism about the declared victory.