Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s party has claimed a sweeping victory in recent parliamentary and regional elections, despite a boycott from the opposition. The National Electoral Council (CNE) announced that the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) and its allies secured 82.68 percent of the votes for the National Assembly. This result allows Maduro’s party to maintain control over important positions, including the attorney general’s office and the country’s highest court.
In addition to the assembly, the PSUV won 23 out of 24 state governor positions, a significant setback for the opposition, which previously held four states. Voter turnout was reported at 8.9 million, or about 42 percent of the 21 million eligible voters. This turnout mirrors the participation rate from the 2021 elections.
The main opposition leaders had called for a boycott, protesting the legitimacy of the elections following Maduro’s controversial win in July 2024. Maria Corina Machado, a prominent opposition figure, claimed that as many as 85 percent of eligible voters stayed away from the polls, labeling the election an "enormous farce." In response, Maduro dismissed the boycott, stating, "When the opponent withdraws from the field, we advance and occupy the terrain."
Reports indicated low turnout in major cities, while government images showed long lines in areas like Trujillo and the Amazons. Analysts have raised concerns about whether the elections were conducted fairly, given the tense atmosphere during the voting process. Over 400,000 security agents were deployed to oversee the elections, resulting in the arrest of more than 70 individuals, including opposition member Juan Pablo Guanipa, accused of leading a "terrorist network" aimed at sabotaging the vote.
The government has also expressed concerns about foreign interference, claiming that suspected mercenaries had crossed into Venezuela from Colombia, leading to the temporary closure of the border.
Despite the election results, Venezuela continues to face economic challenges. The country’s economy has suffered due to years of mismanagement and international sanctions. Recently, the U.S. government revoked Chevron’s permission to operate in Venezuela, potentially cutting off a crucial source of revenue for Maduro’s administration. Additionally, the U.S. has ended deportation protections for many Venezuelan migrants, further complicating the situation for those fleeing the crisis.