In a dramatic twist to Venezuela’s presidential election, incumbent President Nicolas Maduro has been declared the victor of a third term, securing 51% of the vote, according to the country’s electoral authority. The announcement came just after midnight on Monday, casting a spotlight on the stark contrast between official results and early exit polls which had suggested an opposition victory.
The national electoral council (CNE) reported that opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez garnered 44% of the vote. Despite the CNE’s announcement, Gonzalez’s campaign had earlier expressed confidence, indicating they had “reasons to celebrate” and urging supporters to stay vigilant in monitoring the vote count.
Maduro, who appeared at the presidential palace to address his supporters, hailed his reelection as a victory for peace and stability. He emphasized his belief in the transparency of Venezuela’s electoral system, a stance he had reiterated throughout his campaign.
The surprise outcome follows a series of exit polls that had forecast a different result. A poll conducted by Edison Research, known for its expertise in US elections, had projected that Gonzalez would win 65% of the vote, with Maduro trailing at 31%. Similarly, local polling firm Meganalisis had predicted a decisive 65% for Gonzalez and just under 14% for Maduro.
CNE President Elvis Amoroso explained the delay in announcing results by attributing it to an “aggression” against the electoral data transmission system. Amoroso stated that about 80% of the ballot boxes had been counted and announced a voter participation rate of 59%. He also revealed that the CNE had requested an investigation by the attorney general into what he termed as “terrorist actions” against the electoral process.
In contrast to the official results, opposition figures had anticipated a shift in leadership after 25 years of socialist rule. Gonzalez had earlier proclaimed on social media that “the results cannot be hidden,” suggesting that the country had chosen change. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado echoed this sentiment, urging the military to support the will of the people and reject Maduro’s victory. “It is time to put yourselves on the right side of history,” she said, calling for the military to act in favor of the democratic choice of Venezuelans.
The contentious nature of the election results has further polarized Venezuela’s political landscape, setting the stage for possible disputes and continued uncertainty in the country’s political future.
In other news – Domboshava armed robber killed; two suspects arrested
Police have apprehended two individuals suspected of being involved in a series of armed robberies across Harare, while a third suspect was fatally shot during a confrontation with law enforcement. In a statement released yesterday, National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Kenneth Chiputura, 50, and Jaison Munyapa, 18, who are linked to multiple armed robbery cases that occurred between May 31 and July 23, 2024.
The third suspect, Raymond Mugabe, 39, died from injuries sustained in a shootout with police. According to Commissioner Nyathi, detectives from the CID Homicide unit in Harare arrested Kenneth Chiputura at his residence in Nhamburo village, Chinamhora, Domboshava, on Friday. Read More
