Polls are closing across Venezuela as citizens participate in a significant presidential election, with Nicolás Maduro of the governing socialist PSUV party seeking a third term in office. Polling stations are set to close at 18:00 local time (22:00 GMT); however, they will remain open for voters still in line.
Maduro’s main opponent, Edmundo González, a former diplomat representing a coalition of opposition parties, has prompted a call to action among supporters to remain vigilant at polling stations during the vote-counting phase. There are widespread concerns about potential electoral fraud by the PSUV, as fears mount that attempts could be made to manipulate the results.
Despite opinion polls indicating a strong lead for González, there are apprehensions about the integrity of the election process, given the questionable fairness of Maduro’s re-election in 2018. The opposition has faced significant challenges leading up to this electoral event, including the disqualification of their prominent candidate, María Corina Machado.
Machado continues to be an influential figure in the opposition, emphasizing that the vote counting process should be transparent and public. She has urged all Venezuelans to stay at their polling stations and monitor the process closely.
The PSUV has maintained its grip on power in Venezuela for 25 years, initially under Hugo Chávez and subsequently under Maduro. This government has consolidated control over the executive, legislative, and much of the judiciary. Since Maduro took office in 2013, the nation has experienced a devastating economic collapse, characterized by a staggering 70% decrease in GDP and the exodus of over 7.7 million people seeking better opportunities abroad.
If elected, González has pledged to make significant efforts to bring back those who have fled the country. However, Maduro has vowed to secure his election victory “by hook or by crook,” even warning of severe consequences should he lose.
The National Electoral Council (CNE), responsible for managing the election and announcing results, is perceived as heavily influenced by the ruling government, with its president being a close associate of Maduro.
Despite having the world’s largest oil reserves, Venezuela’s oil production has significantly declined under Maduro’s leadership due to factors such as mismanagement and sanctions. Should U.S. oil sanctions be lifted in response to this election, it could have global implications for oil prices.
Voting in Venezuela utilizes electronic machines, allowing voters to select their candidates by pressing designated buttons. Results are transmitted to the CNE, while a printed paper receipt is collected in a ballot box for verification. By law, political parties can appoint representatives to oversee the counting of these paper ballots at polling stations, a process the opposition will closely monitor to ensure consistency with CNE’s reported results.
