Maduro Secures Sweeping Victory in Venezuelan Elections Amid Opposition Boycott

Maduro Claims Victory as Opposition Sits Out Venezuelan Elections

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s ruling party has claimed a sweeping victory in parliamentary and regional elections that were marked by low voter turnout and an opposition boycott, further entrenching Maduro’s grip on power amid international criticism.

According to preliminary results released by the National Electoral Council (CNE), Maduro’s United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) and allied factions won 82.68% of the vote on Sunday. Despite this dominant showing, only 42% of eligible voters participated in the elections, underscoring widespread disillusionment with the political process in Venezuela.

“This is a great victory for the people, for democracy, for peace,” Maduro declared during a televised address, praising the elections as a reaffirmation of Venezuelan sovereignty.

However, critics and international observers argue the opposite. Many regard the election as illegitimate, pointing to the lack of competitive opposition and allegations of electoral manipulation. The opposition coalition, led by Juan Guaidó, boycotted the vote, calling it a “fraudulent process” and urging citizens to abstain.

This latest vote marks yet another flashpoint in Venezuela’s ongoing political crisis. Maduro’s government has long faced accusations of human rights violations, economic mismanagement, and systematic suppression of dissent. The country remains under heavy international sanctions, particularly from the United States and European Union, both of which have previously rejected the legitimacy of Maduro’s elections.

Meanwhile, calls for democratic reforms continue to mount from Latin American neighbors and human rights organizations, who warn that Venezuela’s slide into authoritarianism could further destabilize the region.