Opposition candidate Edmundo González announced on Monday that his campaign has proof he won Venezuela’s disputed election, which electoral authorities handed to President Nicolás Maduro. González and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado have obtained more than 70% of tally sheets from the election, showing González with more than double Maduro’s votes. Despite protests and clashes with police in Caracas, the opposition called for calm and invited supporters to celebrate the results peacefully. Maduro, however, was officially declared the winner by the National Electoral Council, sparking further protests.
The election, while relatively peaceful, was met with skepticism and accusations of fraud from the opposition and foreign governments. Many Venezuelans had hoped this election would bring change to the struggling nation, which has been plagued by economic collapse and an exodus of millions of citizens due to the crisis. The opposition had put their faith in the ballot box after failed attempts to oust Maduro through demonstrations.
The electoral process in Venezuela has faced criticism for lack of transparency and allegations of vote manipulation. Electoral authorities have not released tally sheets from the voting machines, prompting calls for transparency from independent observers and the EU. Despite international criticism, Maduro has defended the election results and accused the opposition of trying to carry out a coup.
Overall, the contested election results have deepened the political divide in Venezuela, with both sides claiming victory and continuing to push for their respective agendas in the face of uncertainty and unrest.
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