Venezuela’s President Maduro Re-elected with 51.2% of the Vote

Venezuela’s President Maduro has been re-elected for a third six-year term, securing 51.2% of the vote in Sunday’s elections, according to the National Electoral Council (CNE). Even with this seeming win, allegations of voter fraud and intimidation have clouded the election.

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Venezuela’s President Maduro to Continue Leadership Amid Economic Crisis as Opposition Falls Short

Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, will continue to lead the nation through a period of severe economic decline, with Venezuela’s GDP shrinking by 80% over the past decade. More than seven million people have left their country in pursuit of better chances as a result of the economic catastrophe. 

With 44.2% of the vote, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, the opposition candidate, fell short of Maduro. Urrutia had taken the place of Maria Corina Machado, a popular opposition leader who was barred from the race by authorities loyal to Maduro. Machado, who had actively campaigned for Urrutia, called on voters to remain vigilant during the vote count, citing fears of electoral fraud.

The election came after the government and opposition reached a mediated agreement that resulted in the temporary lifting of US sanctions following the contentious 2018 election. However, these sanctions were reinstated when Maduro failed to meet the agreed conditions.