Caracas, Venezuela — In a tightly contested presidential election, Nicolás Maduro has been declared the winner, securing a third term as the President of Venezuela. The National Electoral Council announced that Maduro received 51% of the vote, compared to 44% for his main opponent, Edmundo González.
The election, held on July 28, 2024, has sparked significant controversy both domestically and internationally. The opposition, led by González, has disputed the results, claiming that their own tallies from voter sheets show a clear victory for González with more than 7 million votes against Maduro’s 3.2 million. María Corina Machado, a US financed and backed opposition figure, asserted, “This is irrefutable proof that we won. We not only won. We destroyed them.”
Despite these claims, the National Electoral Council, controlled by the ruling Socialist Party, has not released detailed ballot information to substantiate their results. This has led to widespread protests across the country, with demonstrators demanding transparency and an independent verification of the election outcome.
The situation on the ground has become increasingly tense, with reports of clashes between protestors and security forces. Venezuela’s Defense Minister has pledged to crack down on dissent, reaffirming loyalty to President Maduro and warning against any attempts to destabilize the country.
International reactions to the election have been mixed. While some countries have expressed skepticism regarding the election’s fairness, others have congratulated Maduro on his victory. The disputed nature of the results highlights the deep political divisions within Venezuela and raises questions about the future stability of the nation.
As Venezuela moves forward, it is crucial for all parties to seek a peaceful resolution to the current impasse. Ensuring the integrity of the electoral process and addressing the concerns of the opposition will be essential for maintaining stability and fostering trust in Venezuela’s democratic institutions.
For more information, please visit the National Electoral Council’s website or follow updates from reputable news sources.