Maduro Wins Third Term Amid Controversial Election Results

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro claimed a third term with 51% of the vote, despite exit polls favoring opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez. Opposition figures urged the military to uphold the people's will. The national electoral council cited an 'aggression' against the electoral data system as a cause for delayed results.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has secured a third term in office, winning 51% of the vote, the country's electoral authority confirmed shortly after midnight on Monday. This win comes despite several exit polls indicating that opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez would emerge victorious.

Opposition candidate Gonzalez, who secured 44% of the vote according to the same count, expressed earlier optimism, urging supporters to remain vigilant. He shared on X that the country had 'peacefully chosen a change' before the official results were revealed.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado called on the military to respect the vote. She emphasized that the people had sent a clear message against Maduro, urging military leaders to align with public sentiment. The country's military, which has traditionally supported Maduro, has shown no signs of dissent.

Polling firm Edison Research had forecasted a 65% win for Gonzalez and 31% for Maduro. Another local firm, Meganalisis, predicted similar trends with Gonzalez at 65% and Maduro at 14%. The national electoral council president, Elvis Amoroso, stated that results were delayed due to an 'aggression' against the electoral data transmission system.

(With inputs from agencies.)