Venezuela Election: Maduro's Controversial Win Amidst Record Abstention

Venezuela's Regional Elections: Maduro Claims Victory Amidst Widespread Abstention Caracas, Venezuela – The regional elections in Venezuela on Sunday, May 25, 2025, have concluded with self-proclaimed President Nicolás Maduro claiming victory for the Chavista party. However, the results are highly contested, with the opposition highlighting an unprecedented level of abstention. Maduro's assertion of control over 23 states is met with skepticism by opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who points to images showing near-empty polling stations across the country. "The streets were deserted," stated Beatriz Adrian, a Noticias Caracol correspondent in Caracas, describing the scene at various polling places. "In one center designed for 5,000 voters, only about 100 had cast their ballots by midday." This low turnout is supported by claims from the opposition that abstention rates exceeded 85%. The National Electoral Council, however, reported a turnout of just over 42%. The elections also included the Essequibo region, a territory claimed by both Venezuela and Guyana, for the first time. This inclusion adds a layer of international complexity to the already contested results. The low turnout raises questions about the legitimacy of Maduro's claimed victory and the future political landscape of Venezuela.