The Venezuelan electoral council has announced an overwhelming victory for President Nicolás Maduro's party in recent regional and legislative elections, despite a glaring absenteeism at polling stations due to a boycott led by opposition leader María Corina Machado. Despite claims of a turnout exceeding 40 percent, independent observers were absent, and many citizens perceived the low participation as a sign of loyalty to Machado's call for abstention. This announcement mirrors Maduro's previous controversial election win, further igniting skepticism about the credibility of Venezuela's electoral processes.
Venezuelan Elections: Maduro's Party Declares Triumph Amid Opposition Boycott
Venezuelan Elections: Maduro's Party Declares Triumph Amid Opposition Boycott
In an electoral process marked by minimal participation, the Venezuelan government claims a decisive victory, raising questions about legitimacy.
Venezuela’s electoral council, led by Maduro loyalists, released a statement late Sunday asserting that his party had secured a sweeping victory in regional and legislative elections. The results, which were broadcast on state television, alleged the loss of key positions by the opposition, including the governorship of Zulia—a vital state known for its oil resources. The council claimed a turnout exceeding 40 percent despite reports of deserted polling sites and minimal voter engagement. Notably, independent observers were absent during the voting process, contributing to doubts over the validity of the reported figures.
Citizens reacted to the low turnout as a reflection of support for opposition leader María Corina Machado, who advocated for a boycott of the elections, citing a lack of fairness under the current regime. This outcome comes less than a year after Maduro's contentious presidential election win, which was later repudiated by independent election monitors, including the Carter Center, which labeled Maduro's victory a “falsification.”
During the state television broadcast, Carlos Quintero, vice president of the electoral council, claimed that Maduro's coalition achieved over 80 percent of the votes for legislative seats and secured control of governors' offices in 22 of the 23 states. The remaining dissenting seat will now belong to Cojedes, in central Venezuela, signaling a substantial decrease in opposition influence.
Contrasting views on the election results continue to emerge, underscoring the ongoing political turmoil in Venezuela.
Julie Turkewitz is The Times' Andes Bureau Chief, based in Bogotá, Colombia, reporting on developments in Venezuela, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Citizens reacted to the low turnout as a reflection of support for opposition leader María Corina Machado, who advocated for a boycott of the elections, citing a lack of fairness under the current regime. This outcome comes less than a year after Maduro's contentious presidential election win, which was later repudiated by independent election monitors, including the Carter Center, which labeled Maduro's victory a “falsification.”
During the state television broadcast, Carlos Quintero, vice president of the electoral council, claimed that Maduro's coalition achieved over 80 percent of the votes for legislative seats and secured control of governors' offices in 22 of the 23 states. The remaining dissenting seat will now belong to Cojedes, in central Venezuela, signaling a substantial decrease in opposition influence.
Contrasting views on the election results continue to emerge, underscoring the ongoing political turmoil in Venezuela.
Julie Turkewitz is The Times' Andes Bureau Chief, based in Bogotá, Colombia, reporting on developments in Venezuela, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru.
