Confusion sets in Venezuela after the presidential elections held on Sunday shows conflicting results emerging from official sources and exit polls. President Nicolás Maduro and opposition candidate Edmundo González both declared victory on Monday. According to the national electoral authority, Maduro won the election with 51 percent of the vote. However, an independent exit poll indicated that González secured 65 percent of the vote.
International Reactions and Doubts
Foreign governments have expressed skepticism regarding the official results. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced serious concerns about the accuracy of the reported results, suggesting they did not reflect the true vote. The electoral authority, intended to be an independent body, is accused by the opposition of being an extension of Maduro’s government.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei labeled the official results as fraudulent, while Costa Rica and Peru also rejected them. Chile stated it would not accept any results lacking verifiable proof. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares called for transparency and urged for calm and civility in the aftermath of the election.
Opposition Response and Public Sentiment
The opposition has yet to disclose any specific actions but has refrained from calling for protests or violent demonstrations. They maintain a message of reconciliation and peaceful change, insisting they will continue their efforts until the will of the Venezuelan people is acknowledged. “Our message of reconciliation and peaceful change still stands…our struggle continues and we won’t rest until the will of the people of Venezuela is respected,” Gonzalez said.
Historical Context and Previous Controversies
Nicolás Maduro, who assumed power after the death of his mentor in 2013, has faced criticism and allegations of dictatorial behavior. His 2018 re-election was also contested as fraudulent. The current election controversy follows his warnings of a “bloodbath” if he were not re-elected.
Exit Poll Discrepancies
Edison Research, known for its high-profile polling, reported that González won 65 percent of the vote, while Maduro received 31 percent. Edison’s Executive Vice President Rob Farbman criticized the official results as “silly” and supported the findings of its nationwide exit poll, which included preliminary data from 6,846 voters at 100 polling locations.
International Support for Maduro
In contrast to international skepticism, countries like Russia, Cuba, Honduras, and Bolivia have supported Maduro’s victory. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Maduro, reaffirming the strong ties between Russia and Venezuela.
Domestic Unrest
The political turmoil in Venezuela highlights ongoing power struggles and questions about the future of its governance. Reports indicate that protests have erupted in areas such as Catia, and scuffles have occurred at polling stations in Caracas and other locations, reflecting the widespread dissatisfaction and uncertainty surrounding the election process.
