Maduro celebrates election victory: Boycott of the opposition remains no effect!

Maduro celebrates election victory: Boycott of the opposition remains no effect!

Venezuela - On May 26, 2025, Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro won another victory in the parliamentary and regional elections. The elections were boycotted by the opposition, which strongly influenced the country's political landscape. The National Election Council (CNE) reported preliminary results that the Socialist Party (PSUV) and its allies received 82.7 percent of the votes for the National Assembly. In contrast, the opposition alliance only achieved 5.2 percent. Al Jazera reported that 42 percent was, which corresponds to around 8.9 million of the 21 million citizens entitled to vote.

The turnout is identical to the 2021, as Cne boss Carlos Carlos Quintero found. However, led by Maria Corina Machado, the opposition, led by Maria Corina Machado. It states that in some regions up to 85 percent of voters would have boycotted the election and speaks of a "farce". Macado defends itself against the choice perceived as unfair and criticizes the lack of political and electoral guarantees. Many of their political colleagues are either detained, disappeared in exile or underground , so the ORF .

political situation and security measures

The PSUV not only keeps control of the National Assembly, but also through important positions of power such as the Attorney General and the Supreme Court. In these elections, 23 out of 24 governors' posts were awarded to the government party, which significantly weakens the opposition. Despite the economic decline of the country and the persistent inflation crisis, Maduro is optimistic. He explained that the government took the opportunity while the opposition is withdrawing reports the Tagesschau .

The election took place under intensive security precautions, with over 400,000 security forces that were used for surveillance. According to reports, there were more soldiers than voters on the polling stations, and more than 70 people were arrested, including the opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa, which the government accused of having planned terrorist activities. Such measures increase the doubts about the fairness of the choice, as well as international observers and the EU who do not recognize the outcome of the election. adds that foreign journalists did not receive any visas for reporting.

international reactions and future challenges

The international community also critically perceives the elections. Washington recently withdrawn Chevron's approval of promoting Venezuelan oil, which could also burden the country's economic situation. These political developments come at a time when the country is faced with serious economic and social challenges. The US government has also given up protection for 350,000 Venezuelan migrants in the United States, which could increase the pressure on the government.

The elections in the controversial Essquibo region, which is claimed by Venezuela, could also create tensions with Guyana. Maduro’s government plans to vote for a governor for this region, although the International Court of Justice in Venezuela asked not to stop the election there. The ORF emphasizes that the symbolic meaning of this choice is not to be underestimated.