Venezuela Awaits Crucial Election Results Amid Tension

Venezuelans await results from a significant election under socialist rule. President Nicolas Maduro is confident of victory despite opposition support and concerns over election fairness. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado backed candidate Edmundo Gonzalez. The election sees high tensions, with incidents and arrests reported. Results were expected Sunday night.

Venezuelans were on edge late Sunday as they awaited results from one of the most critical elections in 25 years under socialist party rule. Despite widespread support for the opposition, President Nicolas Maduro remained optimistic about his victory, as opposition camps warned of potential irregularities. Maria Corina Machado, an opposition leader who has faced a ban on holding public office, threw her support behind Edmundo Gonzalez, a 74-year-old ex-diplomat praised for his composure.

Gonzalez garnered support even from former pro-government backers, but the legitimacy of the vote was questioned due to electoral authority decisions and the arrest of opposition figures. Maduro, whose 2018 reelection was deemed fraudulent by the United States and other entities, insisted that Venezuela has the world's most transparent electoral system, warning of a 'bloodbath' in case of a loss. Despite some minor incidents, voting was mostly peaceful, said Attorney General Tarek Saab.

In the capital, Caracas, a minor confrontation occurred outside the largest voting center, but it was quickly resolved. The Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict reported sightings of armed ruling party supporters in various locations. The opposition claimed just under 55% of the electorate had voted. Government officials expressed satisfaction with the turnout. The opposition urged vigilance during the vote count, despite access issues faced by some opposition witnesses.

(With inputs from agencies.)