Maduro Wins Venezuela Presidential Election

President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela has been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, securing his third term in office. 

According to the country’s electoral body, Maduro won the election held on Sunday, July 28, with 51 percent of the vote. This result contradicted multiple exit polls that had suggested an opposition victory, with many citizens blaming the Maduro administration for various wrongdoings.

Opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, who was widely expected to win as the election progressed, ultimately received just 44 percent of the vote.

In response to his controversial victory, Maduro proclaimed his reelection as a triumph of peace and stability. Sensing public suspicion and potential dissent, he announced plans to sign a document later on Monday to hold a national dialogue.

Criticism is already mounting within the opposition, who accuse the National Electoral Council of acting in favor of the government rather than as an impartial body. The opposition had believed voters were ready for a change.

Edmundo Gonzalez, shortly before the results were announced, posted on X: “The results cannot be hidden. The country has peacefully chosen a change.”