In a contentious presidential election held on Monday, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez each declared victory, fueling a deepening political crisis in the country. According to the National Electoral Council (CNE), Maduro secured a third term with 51% of the vote, while Gonzalez, the opposition’s leading candidate, received 44%. This result was sharply at odds with various exit polls and projections that suggested Gonzalez had a commanding lead.
Following the CNE’s announcement, Maduro, addressing a jubilant crowd at the presidential palace, hailed his victory as a triumph of peace and stability. He emphasized the transparency of Venezuela’s electoral system and pledged to initiate a “great national dialogue” with a decree set to be signed on Monday. The scene at the palace was marked by fireworks and lighted drones, which formed an image of Maduro in the sky, symbolizing the administration’s celebratory mood.
In stark contrast, opposition leader María Corina Machado asserted that Gonzalez had actually won the election by a significant margin, citing independent exit polls and quick counts that showed him receiving 70% of the vote. Despite the CNE’s official figures, Machado and Gonzalez expressed confidence in their victory and called on supporters to continue monitoring the situation closely. Machado urged the military to align with what she claimed was the will of the Venezuelan people, insisting that it was time for them to support a transition in power.
The opposition’s claims have been bolstered by polls from Edison Research and Meganalisis, which both predicted a decisive win for Gonzalez. Edison’s exit poll forecasted Gonzalez at 65%, with Maduro trailing at 31%. However, the CNE cited an “aggression” against the electoral data transmission system as a reason for delays in finalizing results. The electoral authority also reported a participation rate of 59% and has requested an investigation into what it termed “terrorist actions” affecting the count.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced concerns about the election’s legitimacy, questioning whether the announced results truly reflected the Venezuelan electorate’s choice. Blinken called for a thorough and transparent publication of vote tallies to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
It is worth noting that Venezuelan military’s support for Maduro remains a significant factor. There have been no indications of dissent within the armed forces, which has historically backed the incumbent president.
