Venezuela's Ruling Party Declares Election Triumph Amid Opposition Boycott

Venezuela's ruling United Socialist Party has proclaimed an overwhelming electoral victory, despite widespread boycott by opposition parties who criticized the elections as illegitimate.

Venezuela is experiencing political upheaval as the ruling party, the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), celebrates what it claims is a significant electoral win in the recent regional and parliamentary elections. The elections, however, were marred by boycotts from most opposition parties, which deemed the process a "farce."

According to the National Electoral Council (CNE), several candidates from the PSUV secured victories in 23 out of 24 states, while garnering over 82% of votes in the National Assembly election. Yet, opposition leader María Corina Machado asserted voter turnout was below 15%, indicating a widespread rejection of the regime.

Independent observers reported minimal attendance at polling stations, contradicting the CNE's claim of a 42.6% turnout. There are longstanding allegations regarding the independence of the CNE, especially given its ties to President Nicolás Maduro. The opposition has previously highlighted discrepancies during last year’s presidential election, where the CNE declared Maduro the winner without transparent vote counts.

Following a wave of repression post-presidential elections, some opposition figures, like Edmundo González, have fled the country, while Machado and other leaders have remained in Venezuela, advocating for a boycott of the recent elections. Nonetheless, a few opposition politicians chose to participate, claiming it essential to offer an electoral choice rather than cede power entirely to the government.

President Maduro hailed the results as a victory for "peace and stability," especially noting the recovery of governorships in Zulia and Barinas, substantial political strongholds. Only the state of Cojedes remains under opposition control after recent elections.

Adding to the tension, a significant number of opposition affiliates were arrested prior to the elections, accused of plotting to disrupt the voting process, which Machado has denounced as blatant state terrorism. The Venezuelan electorate was also confronted with a symbolic vote concerning the Essequibo region, a territory claimed by both Venezuela and neighboring Guyana, despite a court ruling urging Venezuela to refrain from holding elections there.

This controversial electoral process has prompted condemnations from Guyanese officials and raised international tensions surrounding Venezuela's territorial claims.