President Nicolas Maduro and Edmundo Gonzalez both claimed victory in Venezuela’s presidential election. These Venezuela election claims have sparked doubt from Washington and other foreign governments. They question the official results that maintained Maduro’s power. #VenezuelaElectionClaims
The national electoral authority announced just after midnight that Maduro had won a third term with 51% of the vote. This result would extend a quarter-century of socialist rule.
But independent exit polls pointed to a big opposition win following enthusiastic shows of support for Gonzalez and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado on the campaign trail.
Gonzalez won 70%, said Machado, who had been barred from holding public office in a decision she says is unfair.
Gonzalez told supporters that rules had been violated on polling day.
“Our message of reconciliation and peaceful change still stands…our struggle continues and we won’t rest until the will of the people of Venezuela is respected,” he said.
It was not immediately clear exactly what the opposition’s next move might be. Gonzalez also said he was not calling for supporters to take to the streets or commit any acts of violence.
But isolated incidents took place around the country before the announcement of results, including the death of one man in Tachira state and scuffles at polling sites in Caracas and other places. Police dispersed a protest in Catia, traditionally a ruling party bastion in western Caracas. #VenezuelaElectionClaims
The controversy surrounding these Venezuela election claims has led to significant doubt regarding the integrity of the voting process. As a result, numerous calls for a thorough investigation have emerged.
