Venezuelans anxiously await results of presidential election that could end one-party rule
CTV
Venezuelans waited anxiously for the results of Sunday’s presidential election that could pave the way to an end to 25 years of single party rule, even as some polls remained open more than an hour after a deadline to close.
Venezuelans waited anxiously for the results of Sunday’s presidential election that could pave the way to an end to 25 years of single party rule, even as some polls remained open more than an hour after a deadline to close.
President Nicolás Maduro, in seeking a third term, faced his toughest challenge yet from the unlikeliest of opponents: a retired diplomat, Edmundo González, who was unknown to voters before being tapped in April as a last-minute stand-in for opposition powerhouse Maria Corina Machado.
The election will have ripple effects throughout the Americas, with government opponents and supporters alike signaling their interest in joining the exodus of 7.7 million Venezuelans who have already left their homes for opportunities abroad should Maduro win another six year term.
Opposition leaders were already celebrating online and on the streets of capitals throughout Latin America where Venezuelan migrants have settled, what they assured was a landslide victory for González. Their hope was boosted by purported exit polls circulating on social media showing a healthy margin of victory for González. Exit polls are not allowed under Venezuelan law.
Polls were supposed to begin closing at 6 p.m. but more than an hour after the deadline some voting centres in Caracas remained open and authorities were silent. The opposition called for the National Electoral Council to begin counting ballots.
“This is the decisive moment,” Machado, flanked by González, told reporters at their campaign headquarters.
Machado was careful not to claim victory before authorities announce results but said she had already received copies of some official voting tallies and they indicated a record turnout — exactly what the opposition needed to overcome Maduro's well-greased electoral machine.
