The National Electoral Council (CNE) of Venezuela has confirmed Nicolás Maduro's victory in last Sunday's elections with 96.87% of the votes counted, despite strong protests and allegations of fraud from the opposition. The CNE president reported that voter turnout was 12,386,669 (59.97%), with a total of 12,335,884 valid votes.
According to the council, Maduro secured 6,408,844 votes, amounting to 51.95 percent. The CNE also announced that Edmundo Gonzalez received 5,326,104 votes, equivalent to 43.18 percent. Since the CNE initially declared Maduro the winner, the Venezuelan people have taken to the streets in protest. Critics claim that the election was stolen and argue that, based on 76 percent of the ballots published by the opposition, Gonzalez actually won by a wide margin of over 30 points.
Amid spontaneous demonstrations rejecting the apparent fraud, opposition leader María Corina Machado has called for a peaceful protest on August 3 in Venezuela's plazas. Countries like the United States, Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay have recognized Gonzalez as the legitimately elected president of the oil-rich nation.
FAQs on Venezuela's Contested Election
The recent Venezuelan election has sparked numerous questions and concerns. Here we address some of the most pressing queries surrounding the contested results and international reactions.
What percentage of votes did Nicolás Maduro receive?
Nicolás Maduro received 51.95 percent of the votes according to the CNE.
How many countries have recognized Edmundo Gonzalez as the legitimate president?
Countries including the United States, Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay have recognized Edmundo Gonzalez as the legitimate president.
What actions has the opposition taken in response to the election results?
The opposition has organized protests and opposition leader María Corina Machado has called for a peaceful demonstration on August 3.