Politics Maduro officially declared the winner of Venezuela's election
Venezuela's authoritarian head of state Nicolás Maduro has been re-elected in the presidential election in the South American crisis state, according to official figures. The incumbent received 51.2 percent of the vote, as announced by the National Electoral Council (CNE). His main challenger, ex-diplomat Edmundo González Urrutia from the opposition alliance Plataforma Unitaria Democrática, received 44.2 percent. The opposition did not recognize Maduro's election victory and declared González president. "We have won and the whole world knows it," said opposition politician María Corina Machado.
29.07.2024, 08:26
SDA
Several polls had predicted a victory for the opposition candidate. However, even before the vote, observers did not expect the election to be free and fair. Recently, numerous members of the opposition were arrested and candidates critical of the government were not allowed to stand for election. The non-governmental organization Foro Penal reported more than 300 political prisoners. The popular opposition leader Machado was banned from holding public office for 15 years due to alleged irregularities from her time as a member of parliament. She was eventually replaced in the presidential election by González, who was largely unknown until recently.
The opposition received 70 percent of the vote, Maduro 30 percent, Machado said on election night, citing independent recounts.
A quarter of the population has left Venezuela
Maduro can now begin his third six-year term in January 2025. According to observers, the chances of a political change in Caracas were better than they have been for a long time. In contrast to the elections six years ago, the opposition was united this time. In addition, in view of the catastrophic economic situation, even loyal supporters of the socialist government were disappointed. Over 80 percent of the population live below the poverty line in the once rich country with large oil reserves. There are repeated power cuts. Gas, medicines and gasoline are in short supply. More than seven million people - a quarter of the population - have left Venezuela in the last ten years due to poverty and violence.
However, Maduro has recently stoked fears of chaos in the event of an opposition victory. He warned of a bloodbath and civil war in Venezuela if he was not re-elected in the vote. After casting his vote, he said that his victory was "the only option for peace". He once again described the electoral system in Venezuela as the "most reliable, transparent and secure electoral system in the world".
European Union not allowed to send election observers
The EU was not represented with observers at the vote, as Venezuela's electoral authority had revoked an invitation due to existing personal sanctions against representatives of the National Electoral Council. According to the Panamanian authorities, four Latin American ex-presidents were prevented from traveling to observe the election on Friday. Although the United Nations has sent some electoral experts, their roles are limited as the body does not make public statements to assess the electoral process.
