Amid accusations of underhand tactics and isolated violence, incumbent Nicolas Maduro was declared the winner of Venezuela’s presidential election, a claim also made by his opposition, Edmundo Gonzalez.
The country’s electoral authority announced Maduro’s third term victory with 51% of the vote, despite exit polls indicating an opposition win. Gonzalez was said to have won 44% of the vote, prompting celebrations from the opposition.
Maduro, addressing his supporters, hailed his re-election as a triumph of peace and transparency in the electoral system. Plans for a national dialogue were announced by him.
On the other hand, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado insisted Gonzalez had won 70% of the vote, despite exit poll results. Various independent polls predicted different outcomes, adding to the controversy.
Street fights and allegations of unfairness marred the voting process, echoing previous election concerns. The US expressed doubts about the announced results and called for transparency in the vote tabulation.
Despite the controversies, Maduro’s government vows peace and economic growth if he remains in power, aiming to reduce the country’s dependence on oil income.