The Electoral Observation Mission (MOE) of Colombia presented a report this Saturday analyzing data from the Venezuelan presidential elections held on July 28th, concluding that opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia is the clear winner with 67.2% of the votes.
The MOE highlighted that the information available up to August 2nd was limited because the National Electoral Council (CNE) of Venezuela has not published detailed election records, releasing only two bulletins with aggregated results. Given this situation, the MOE decided to base its analysis on data provided by the opposition, who shared images of the records from each polling station.
The MOE's analysis revealed a significant discrepancy between the limited data published by the CNE and the data collected by the opposition. According to the Colombian outlet Semana, the database constructed by the MOE—which includes 73.1% of the records (21,952 in total)—clearly indicates that González Urrutia received 6,392,350 votes, equivalent to 67.2% of the total.
In contrast, President Nicolás Maduro obtained 2,891,553 votes, representing 30.4% of the vote. The Colombian observers' report detailed that González won in 18,991 polling stations, which equates to 87% of those analyzed, while Maduro secured the majority in 2,926 stations (13%). Additionally, 35 stations recorded a tie between the two candidates.
The MOE also noted that, out of Venezuela's 326 municipalities, González won in 298, representing 91.4% of the territorial units, while Maduro triumphed in 28 municipalities (8.6%). On a state level, the results also overwhelmingly favored González, who emerged victorious in all Venezuelan states.
The report emphasizes that the data cannot be compared with those provided by the CNE, as these have not been detailed nor have the corresponding records been published. However, the MOE concludes that even considering the votes yet to be counted, González's lead is insurmountable. The analysis suggests that even if all remaining votes were in favor of Maduro, González would still maintain a lead of 629,420 votes.
The MOE reiterated the necessity for transparency and the publication of all electoral records to validate the official results and ensure the legitimacy of the electoral process in Venezuela.
The MOE Colombia's report adds further tension to the political situation in the country, where allegations of electoral fraud have sparked protests and confrontations, while international pressure on Maduro's regime intensifies.
Key Findings and Implications of the Venezuelan Election Observations
This section addresses common questions and provides detailed answers based on the MOE's findings regarding the Venezuelan elections.
What were the main findings of the MOE report?
The MOE report concluded that Edmundo González Urrutia won the Venezuelan presidential elections with 67.2% of the votes, highlighting significant discrepancies between opposition data and limited CNE reports.
Why has the CNE not published detailed election records?
The CNE has only released aggregated results and has not provided detailed election records, leading to limited data availability and calls for transparency from the MOE.
How did the MOE gather its data for the report?
The MOE based its analysis on data provided by the opposition, who shared images of the records from each polling station, constructing a database that includes 73.1% of the records.
What impact does the MOE report have on the political situation in Venezuela?
The MOE report adds tension to the political landscape in Venezuela, with allegations of electoral fraud leading to protests and increased international pressure on Maduro's regime.