- Maduro is leading with 51% of the vote
- The opposition has disputed the results
- The situation remains uncertain
Venezuela’s National Electoral Council has announced partial results for the presidential election, indicating that incumbent President Nicolás Maduro is leading with 51% of the vote, followed by his main rival Edmundo González with 44%.
However, the opposition has disputed the results, claiming fraud and citing their own vote tallies, exit polls, and quick counts that show González leading by 40 percentage points.
The opposition has vowed to challenge the result.
The election has significant implications beyond Venezuela’s borders, given the country’s economic and political crisis, its large oil reserves, and its alliances with countries like China, Iran, and Russia. International leaders, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chilean President Gabriel Boric, have expressed skepticism about the declared outcome.
The opposition had hoped for a convincing lead to prevent any attempts at fraud, but the Maduro administration’s close ties to the electoral council have raised concerns.
Allies of Maduro have congratulated him on his victory, while the opposition continues to dispute the results.
The situation remains uncertain, with the opposition promising to challenge the outcome.
