Maduro Wins Disputed Venezuelan Election

Venezuela’s National Electoral Council has declared incumbent President Nicolás Maduro the winner of the presidential election, amid opposition claims of fraud and international scepticism.

According to official results, Maduro secured 51.2% of the vote, while opposition candidate Edmundo González trailed behind with 41.1%. However, González’s camp disputes the outcome, insisting he won with 70% of the votes.

“Venezuelans and the entire world know what happened,” Mr Gonzalez said.

The US and other foreign governments have expressed concerns about the election’s legitimacy, citing reports of voting irregularities and restrictions on opposition witnesses.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated, “We have serious concerns that the result announced does not reflect the will or the votes of the Venezuelan people.”

Gabriel Boric, the leftist leader of Chile, said: “The Maduro regime should understand that the results it published are difficult to believe.”

Venezuela has been grappling with a severe economic crisis, marked by hyperinflation, food shortages, and a mass exodus of citizens. The disputed election outcome is likely to exacerbate tensions and further polarize the nation.

The opposition has vowed to challenge the results, while Maduro’s government has hailed the victory as a triumph for socialism.

“No one is going to create chaos in Venezuela. I recognize and will recognize the electoral referee, the official announcements and I will make sure they are recognized,” Maduro said.