Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, securing his third term in office.
Gatekeepers News reports that the National Electoral Council announced that Maduro won Sunday’s election with 51% of the vote, contradicting exit polls that suggested an opposition victory.
Opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, who was widely expected to win, received 44% of the vote.
Maduro’s victory has sparked criticism from the opposition, who claim the electoral body acted in favor of the government rather than remaining impartial.
In response to his controversial win, Maduro hailed his reelection as a triumph of peace and stability.
However, he also announced plans to sign a document calling for national dialogue, potentially aiming to alleviate public suspicion and dissent.
Gonzalez had earlier stated that voters had chosen change, saying “The results cannot be hidden. The country has peacefully chosen a change.”
The opposition’s concerns about the electoral process and outcome are likely to persist, casting a shadow over Maduro’s victory.
