By News Editor Venezuela, once again, is rocked by controversy as allegations of election fraud permeate the recent presidential race. Despite the announcement of Nicholas Maduro’s victory, as declared by the National Electoral Council’s president Elvis Amoroso, opposition voices insist that irregularities have tainted the process. Maduro, with 51.20% of the votes as per the count of 80% of the polling records, was declared the winner against Edmundo González who secured 44.20%.
However, this announcement has only ignited calls for investigation given the myriad of complaints from the opposition. María Corina Machado, an opposition figure, tweeted about irregularities concerning the polling records. She claimed that their witnesses were removed and that hundreds of polling tables refused to print out their records—the key documents that are supposed to reflect the truth of the voting process. The opposition alleges that the National Electoral Council has not only halted the electoral process in parts of the country but also prevented access to the voting records at several polling centers.
#ÚLTIMAHORA | María Corina Machado: “Las actas que trasmitieron la tenemos, toda esta información coincide en que Edmundo obtuvo el 70% y Maduro el 30%”, dijo.
— VPItv (@VPITV) July 29, 2024
Sigue #ENVIVO las #PresidencialesVE2024 #28J: https://t.co/OSCiPxwo7f pic.twitter.com/cPSEvRbMnh
These allegations join the chorus of claims stating that transparency is lacking in this electoral process. Moreover, the opposition argues that the Maduro regime’s victory isn’t convincing to Venezuelans. Despite the claims of the National Electoral Council, opposition factions insist that the handling of the electoral process has been riddled with abuses of power and irregularities. Accusations of deception seem to be circulating as the opposition has reportedly received only 30% of the polling records. They argue that the evidence of the National Guard’s interference and misconduct is mounting and worryingly apparent. Citizenship and democratic values cannot be made a mockery.
The allegations of non-transparent actions and irregularities must be thoroughly examined. Not just for the sake of current voters but also for the faith of future generations in the democratic process. For now, despite Maduro’s announced victory by the National Electoral Council, the winds of controversy continue to rise. The opposition is calling for a detailed investigation into these alleged irregularities, and they won’t rest until proper due process has been accorded to this election.