Nicolás Maduro declared on Sunday morning, as he cast his vote, that he will respect and ensure respect for the election results issued by the National Electoral Council (CNE) at the end of the day. He urged his nine opponents to make the same commitment.
"No one will bring Venezuela into chaos. We have an electoral arbitrator for that. I, Nicolás Maduro, commit to respecting the electoral arbitrator and invite all parties to respect the governing body," he stated to the media after casting his ballot in Caracas, accompanied by his wife, First Lady and Deputy Cilia Flores.
"I recognize and will recognize the arbitrator, the official bulletins, and will ensure they are respected. The arbitrator's word will be sacred, and I call on the 10 presidential candidates and the 38 political parties to publicly declare that they will respect the official bulletin from the organization," he told journalists.
At another point, he claimed that his candidacy is "the only guarantee of peace" in the country. When asked about acknowledging the results in the event of a loss, he emphasized that the CNE bulletin "will not only be recognized but defended in perfect civil-military union," and assured that everything will go smoothly.
"I said I would arrive in peace, and I arrived in peace [on voting day]. If there's anything to preserve and defend, it is peace, harmony, and coexistence among Venezuelans. It has to be a day for good to triumph in Venezuela, doing good, which is the greatest expression of love," he expressed.
In this regard, he announced that on Monday he will share "many things" related to the work done by his government to ensure that these elections take place peacefully. He also reiterated his intention to make a new call for dialogue with various sectors, including the political and economic ones.
Polling stations opened their doors at 6:00 a.m. this Sunday for elections that could spell Nicolás Maduro's defeat if the poll forecasts, which give his main rival a lead of over 20 points, hold true.
Key Questions About Venezuela's Electoral Process
In light of the recent elections in Venezuela, several key questions arise regarding the statements made by Nicolás Maduro and the potential outcomes. Here, we address some of the most pressing inquiries.
What did Nicolás Maduro pledge about the election results?
Nicolás Maduro pledged to respect and ensure respect for the election results issued by the National Electoral Council (CNE).
Who accompanied Maduro to the polling station?
Maduro was accompanied by his wife, First Lady and Deputy Cilia Flores, to the polling station.
What did Maduro say about the potential outcome of the elections?
Maduro emphasized that the results will not only be recognized but defended in a perfect civil-military union and that everything will go smoothly.