Venezuelan President Maduro Seeks Audit Following Election Controversy
After opposition leaders contested his victory in the recent presidential election, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has requested an audit from the country’s Supreme Court to verify the results. Expressing his willingness to provide evidence of his win, Maduro stated his readiness to cooperate with any investigation. Amidst claims of a conspiracy against his government, Maduro secured a third term with 51% of the vote, while opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia received 44.2 percent.
The US and its allies have yet to recognize Maduro’s victory and have supported violent protesters in Venezuela. Maduro has blamed Urrutia for the post-election violence, highlighting the unrest and casualties that have ensued. As the country faces economic challenges exacerbated by sanctions, the IMF predicts a 4% growth in the Venezuelan economy this year after years of decline.